The reopening of the church to normal worship has been progressing rapidly with each announcement from the First Minister being reflected in Guidance from the Church of Scotland Covid Team. St.Matthew’s Risk Assessment Team for COVID under the guidance of Andy Turnbull have kept the facilities up to date.
At the most recent meeting it was agreed that the capacity of the sanctuary would be increased to 120 fulfilling the 1m. rule. Where practical we will continue to have the chairs set out around tables as we have done from the most recent reopening . That appears to be appreciated. It also facilitates the interim way of conducting Communion.
It is anticipated the rules will be relaxed completely in the near future.
The need for Track and Trace is still required and a register of those attending is being kept for that purpose. At this time the wearing of face mask is still required, however we are allowed to sing.
It is hoped to have tea and coffee facilities in operation in the near future.
You can also join us online – St. Matthew’s Sunday Service on the Church ZOOM is at 11am every Sunday that we are in lockdown – please follow the link.
How it works:
It is the same as sitting in church except you are at home. The Ministers, Rev. Anne Brennan / Rev. Barbara Quigley, will conduct worship, Michael will play the hymns and a selection of his music to suit everyone. You are “allowed” to sing to your hearts content. You will hear the music but no one, other than those in your own household, will hear the singing! We will all see each other singing and enjoying worship. There will also be a PowerPoint showing the words of the hymns.
CHURCH RE-OPENING
Psalm 122: I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” I am delighted to say that, subject to Government Guidelines on 23rd March and Presbytery approval, we are intending to re-open St Matthew’s for our Easter Sunday service on Sunday 4th April at 11am. As before there will only be 50 spaces available in terms of Scottish Government regulations.
As this includes our Minister, Duty teams and A/V teams the available spaces should be booked on “Eventbrite” once again and this also helps with our “Track & Trace” procedures. This link to Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sunday-worship-tickets-127686837769 will allow you to make your booking or phone Bev, our Facilities and Outreach Manager, on 01738 259961 (between 10am and 5pm).
If you are not on the internet or internet spaces are full you can make a booking also by phoning, Bev.
Appropriate physical distancing and sanitising facilities will be in place and we are all required to wear face coverings.
Music will once more be provided by our Organist, Michael Ellacott, who will lead us in song but unfortunately the congregation is still not permitted to sing. However, there is one difference in that it is hoped that we will be able to “livestream” the service to you. See the boxed notice for details of this exciting new venture.
Thanks to John Paton, Alastair Byers and Tom Morrison for organising this. We do need more volunteers to assist with the A/V so please contact Alastair Byers on alastair.byers1@btinternet.com should you be able to take your place on the Rota. Full training will be given.