The wardens of All Saints Harbury and I have met to discuss the way forward for our services after the recent release of legal restrictions. I have also consulted with clergy colleagues and have reviewed guidance from both national and diocesan leaders. Given the current high levels of infection and the natural concerns of vulnerable people, we feel it is best to remain cautious for the next few weeks, and so would recommend the following for services at Harbury church. A separate note will be issued for members of Ladbroke and Ufton churches.
1. Maintain social distancing wherever possible – the pews will remain as they are for the time being.
2. Although masks are no longer a legal requirement we would encourage their use to protect others wherever possible.
3. We would ask that sharing the peace remains as our current remote practice to avoid placing people in a difficult position who are not comfortable with physical contact yet.
4. Communion will remain as it is with individual cups, however, we are able to return to the common cup for those who wish to do so, please let us know if you would like this, and we could run both in tandem.
5. We have decided not to return to congregational singing at this time, so will continue with the recorded tracks.
6. The track and trace app QR code will be available for those who wish to use it, although there is no longer a requirement to book in for our services.
7. We are evaluating the return to refreshments after the service for those who would like this.
8. Hand sanitiser remains available and we would recommend its use.
All these measures will remain in place until the end of August when we will reassess the situation. The wardens have taken soundings among a cross section of our congregation, and I hope you will feel able to support these measures in the short term, although we hope we will be able to relax more when the situation stabilises.
We will continue to record the services and make them available on Youtube for those who are unable to attend in person.
Rev. Andy
July 23, 2021 at 10:19AM
