Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When will church be opening?
A. We are excited to be reopening the church from on the 22 May. If the Government roadmap is followed and further restrictions are lifted by 21 June, all other church services will be resumed in person and opened to all members. Learn more about the reopening here.
Q. Will everybody be allowed back into church?
A. Initially no. Based on the roadmap rules, we can only have up to 80 people at one time with some spaces reserved for visitors. However, after 21 June these restrictions might be lifted, so we can have everyone back. Reserve a seat here.
Q. What will you do with the details of those who register to attend worship in-person?
A. The church will keep a record of your relevant personal details for 21 days, as required for NHS track and trace in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.
Q. How will the church decide who should be included amongst the 80 people allowed per service?
A. We will use an online booking system and 30% of spaces will be reserved for visitors until after 21 June if the roadmap is followed and all restrictions are lifted by government.
Q. I have underlying health issues, can I come to church?
A. At present government has cancelled the shielding program so anyone can attend.
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, until the 21 June. 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. After 21 June if the roadmap is followed and all restrictions are lifted by Government, we will follow guidelines.
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.
Q. Will the water dispenser in the Youth Hall be available?
A. Not at present. We therefoNot at present. We therefore encourage you to bring your own water until after 21 June if the roadmap is followed and restrictions are lifted by Government.re 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 until after 21 June if the roadmap is followed and restrictions are lifted by Government.
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 until after 21 June if the roadmap is followed and restrictions are lifted by government.
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 until after 21 June if the roadmap is followed and restrictions are lifted by government.
Q. How often will the church be updated on the guidelines?
A. A. Going forward, the church leadership team will endeavour to update the church monthly after each stage of the roadmap.
Q. How many services will we be having each Sabbath?
A. We hope to have one Family Worship Service each Sabbath
Q. What time will Divine Service be held?
A. Family Worship Service will commence at 11:15 pm.
Q. Will Adult Sabbath School classes resume in-person?
Not at present. Sabbath School will continue to be solely an interactive online service until 21June if the roadmap is followed and restrictions are lifted.
Q. Can I use the kitchen facilities during Sabbath?
A. No. The kitchen will be closed during services until after 21 June if the roadmap is followed and restrictions are lifted by government.
Q. Will the church be providing lunch?
A. No. At present government guidelines recommend that this should be avoided until after 21 June if the roadmap is followed and restrictions are lifted by government.
Q. Can I bring my lunch and share with others?
A. No. At present government guidelines recommend that this should be avoided until after 21 June if the roadmap is followed and restrictions are lifted by government.
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 until after 21 June if the roadmap is followed and restrictions are lifted by government
Q. Will the water dispenser in the Youth Hall be available?
A. Not at present. We therefore encourage you to bring your own water until after 21 June if the roadmap is followed and restrictions are lifted by government.
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 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. After 21 June if the roadmap is followed and all restrictions are lifted by government, we will consider having in-person services.
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. After 21 June if the roadmap is followed and all restrictions are lifted by government, we will consider having in-person services.
Q. Will we be able to have Communion?
A. Yes, however it will take a different form. After 21 June if the roadmap is followed and all restrictions are lifted by government, we will be having in church Communion.
Q. Will we be able to have baptisms?
A. Yes, we will have our next baptisms on the 22 May and another on the 27 June.
Q. Can we have a baby dedication?
A. Yes, this will be possible after the 22 May when the church is opening. However, we will follow strict Covid guidelines. After the 21 June if the roadmap is followed and all restrictions are lifted by Government we will have them without restrictions.
Q. What about Wednesday midday and evening Prayer Meetings?
A. Virtual Prayer Meetings will continue via Zoom until after 21 June if the roadmap is followed and all restrictions are lifted by government. We will then have a fusion of online and in church. More details to follow.
Q. Will the Community Friendship Club, Racquet Club & Cooking Classes restart any time soon?
A. At present government guidelines recommend that these should be avoided. After 21 June if the roadmap is followed and all restrictions are lifted by Government, we will be reconsidering these guidelines.
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. After 21 June if the roadmap is followed and all restrictions are lifted by Government, we will be reconsidering these guidelines.
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. After 21 June if the roadmap is followed and all restrictions are lifted by Government, we will consider whether we can re-introduce the sit-down means we served before COVID-19.
Send us your questions/comments
If you have any further questions or comments about these FAQs, we would love to hear from you.
Welcome Back!
CHURCH IS REOPENING
We’re excited to be worshipping together again in person and look forward to welcoming you back home as restrictions ease.