Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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If you have any questions or suggestions about these FAQs, we would love to hear from you!
General
Q. When will church be opening?
A. We are proposing to re-open the Church for worship on the first Sabbath of January 2021, subject to government advice. This proposed date will be kept under monthly review. In the interim, we are considering opening the Church for midday Prayer Meetings every Wednesday, starting from October. Baptisms will also now resume, as and when required.
Q. Will everybody be allowed back into church?
A. No. Based on social distancing rules we can only have up to 80 people at one time with some spaces will be reserved for visitors.
Q. How will the church decide who should be included amongst the 80 people allowed per service?
A. This is still under consideration. We will either use a surname system or an online booking system and some spaces will be reserved for visitors.
Q. I have underlying health issues, can I come to church?
A. At present government guidelines recommend that you should not.
Q. I am over 70 years old, can I come to church?
A. While at present government guidelines recommend that you should not, this is ultimately left to your discretion.
Q. Will you be conducting temperature checks?
A. Yes. A First Aider will ask you to wait for your temperature to be taken before entering the church. This will be done using an electronic thermometer and is not harmful. If the reading is below 38c /100F and you do not have a continuous cough, you will be permitted to enter the building. If the reading is above 38c /100F, you should immediately leave the building and self-isolate and seek medical assistance as per the government’s direction.
Q. Will I have to wear a mask in church?
A. Wearing masks while seated in the pews will be optional as sufficient social distancing has been put in place in the Sanctuary, however face masks must be worn in communal areas.
Q. Will the church be providing us with masks, hand sanitisers, or gloves?
A. Hand sanitisers will be provided, however you will be expected to bring your own mask – gloves are optional. (If you are unable to obtain a mask, we have a limited number of masks available for your use.) You can bring your own mask or face covering into church, following guidance on use.
Face Coverings must be worn in communal areas
Q. Will the water dispenser in the Youth Hall be available?
A. Not at present. We therefore encourage you to bring your own water.
Q. Will I be able to sing at church?
A. At present government guidelines recommend that this should be avoided.
Q. Can I greet others by shaking hands, embracing or cheek kissing?
A. At present government guidelines recommend that this should be avoided.
Q. Can I socialise/mingle with others between services?
A. At present government guidelines advise against these activities unless you are a part of a ‘bubble’. As soon as church is over please follow the one-way system out of the church. We will then have to do a deep clean in preparation for the other programmes.
Q. Are there any other restrictions in place about how many people can be in one room at a time?
A. Yes. Toilets are limited to two persons at a time. Please knock on the toilet door before entering. Also, meeting rooms can no longer be used for meetings.
Q. How often will the church be updated on the guidelines?
A. Going forward, the church leadership team will endeavour to update the church monthly.
Divine Service & Sabbath School
Q. How many services will we be having each Sabbath?
A. We hope to have two Divine Services each Sabbath.
Q. What time will Divine Service be held?
A. Divine Service will commence at 12:00pm.
Q. Will Adult Sabbath School classes resume in-person?
Not at present. Sabbath School will continue to be an interactive online service.
Sabbath Lunch
Q. Can I use the kitchen facilities during Sabbath?
A. No. The kitchen will be closed during services.
Q. Will the church be providing lunch?
A. No. At present government guidelines recommend that this should be avoided.
Q. Can I bring my lunch and share with others?
A. No. At present government guidelines recommend that this should be avoided.
Q. Can I bring snacks for my child?
A. Yes. However, you cannot share them with any other child unless they live in the same household.
Q. Will the water dispenser in the Youth Hall be available?
A. Not at present. We therefore encourage you to bring your own water.
Children & Youth Services
Q. When the church is re-opened can I bring my toddler to church, in light of the new restrictions in place?
A. Parents with toddlers should still feel free to attend church despite the new restrictions.
Q. Will there be a Children’s Church or Sabbath School?
A. Based on government guidelines Children’s Church will remain closed until further notice. In the meantime, kids can join in a variety of activities via Zoom from Monday to Saturday. We provide fitness sessions, quizzes, prayer, worship and Bible study. Contact Children’s Ministry leader, Lee White on 07944 884 154 for Zoom details.
Q. Will there be Youth or Teens’ Sabbath School?
A. At present all Youth/Teen Sabbath Schools classes are cancelled until further notice. In the meantime, we’re conducting Bible Studies and Youth Church programmes via Zoom. Find out more here.
Other Services
Q. Will we be able to have Communion?
A. Yes, however it will take a different form. More details to follow.
Q. Will we be able to have baptisms?
A. Yes, these have now resumed, as and when required.
Q. Can we have a baby dedication?
A. Yes, this will be possible.
Q. What about Wednesday midday and evening Prayer Meetings?
A. Virtual Prayer Meetings will continue via Zoom until further notice.
Community Activities
Q. Will the Tuesday Community Friendship Club start any time soon?
A. At present government guidelines recommend that these should be avoided.
Q. What about other social activities?
A. Not at present. We have to work out what will work in line with social distancing rules before we decide.
Q. What about the Community Kitchen and Foodbank?
A. The Community Kitchen and Foodbank continue to operate under strict COVID-19 rules every Tuesday at 6pm – 7:30pm.
Send us your questions/comments
If you have any questions or suggestions about these FAQs, we would love to hear from you.
The information on this page was last updated on 27 September 2020.