Even though we are unable to offer in-person services during the current lockdown, we are delighted that we are able to open our churches for private prayer on a limited basis. Our plan is as follows:
St Oswald's will be open:
10.00am-11.00am on Sundays
St Dunstan's will be open:
10.30am-11.00am on Sundays
St Alban's
10.30am-11.00am on Sundays
What does 'private prayer' mean?
We are not permitted by the government to hold any form of group or led prayer, so there will be no services. This is simply an opportunity to spend some time in church to sit quietly and pray.
What will it be like when we arrive?
Please make sure that you follow the directions of our volunteers at all times. Our guidelines are as follows:
Enter by the main church doors.
We only have limited seating available. If there are others before you, please wait patiently and maintain distance by using the markers on the ground.
Please use the hand sanitiser which will be available as soon as you enter the building.
Our volunteers will show you where you should sit.
Your name and contact details will need to be recorded by a volunteer.
You will be given a ‘seat used’ card.
Where possible, you can light a candle using a candle which has already been lit.
When you are ready to leave, leave your ‘seat used’ card where you have been sitting.
Please leave by the main church doors, observe social distancing, and let a volunteer know that you are leaving.
Will I be safe?
We are following all the guidelines from the government and the Church of England to ensure that our churches are safe to use. If your health means that you are in a particular vulnerable category, you should stay at home. Anyone who is feeling unwell, especially if you have symptoms of Covid-19, must stay at home and remain at home.
Are children welcome?
Children and families are very welcome to come and spend some time together, although we cannot provide any books or toys.
Will toilets and refreshments be available?
We are very sorry, but toilets will be closed and we are unable to offer any refreshments.