Service Plan and Guildance for July 2020

Service Plan for July

Dear Friends,

The Government has given permission for church services to resume in July. After several months of not being able to worship in our church buildings I am sure that we are all pleased by this development. However Covid 19 has not gone away, and the Government has issued strict guidelines that we must observe. The Church of England has interpreted these guidelines and I have outlined below the conditions that we must abide by when back in church.

We understand that many of our church family will be anxious to protect their own health, some people are still self isolating and nobody wants to put themselves in a vulnerable position. So please consider your own health needs and please do not feel any sense of pressure that you should be seen in church. During the lockdown our zoom services have been very successful and so in this next stage we will continue to offer a mix of services in church and in zoom so that as many people as possible are able to worship in Sole Bay

Below is our service plan for July, following the Bishop’s advice of a cautious return to church services, and for the continual provision of on line services for those not able to attend church. We are encouraged to view all the services on offer as team services, rather than returning to a parish mindset.

Relevant constraints based on Government guidance

Wearing of face masks is optional, and each person can decide for themselves.
Everyone must use the Hand Sanitiser on entry and exit from church and 2m social distancing is required at all times within the church and churchyard. People may sit in family groups but please only sit in pews and seats that are made available. These will be clearly marked.. Capacity in churches will therefore be limited.
Kneelers are not to be used
No refreshments are permitted after any services
No congregational or choir singing, but organ music, piano music and a single soloist are permitted. No social gathering after the service. People are asked to leave church when the service ends and not to linger.
Holy Communion is permitted, but no Communion cup or wine will be offered

Wangford church closed due to building works and Sotherton closed until next stage of easing

Weddings, baptisms and funerals are permitted in church again now but numbers are limited to 30 people in attendance, with 2m social distancing and singing is not permitted.

Please do pray for our church community as we take this next step, and thank you for your understanding and support as we adjust to the next stage, while accepting that things are not yet normal.

Yours in Christ Simon

The morning services at 8.00, 9.30 and 11.15 in the table below are Holy Communion, the 10.30 zoom service is Family Worship and the afternoon / evening services will be said evening prayer.

Mid Week Services and Prayers starting from w/c 12th July

Tuesday 6pm zoom team eucharist
Wednesday 8.45 Reydon Morning Prayer & 10.00 Eucharist in Walberswick
Thursday 10.00 Eucharist in Southwold plus 8.30 pm zoom compline from Blythburgh Friday 4pm in Southwold Evening Prayer