Returning to In Person Worship
Dear Friends,
All Saints
is keen to return to in person worship in a way that is both safe and
accessible to as many members of the congregation as possible. In formulating a
plan, several issues have been considered.
Firstly, although
most older members of the congregation have received at least one dose of the
vaccine many of our younger members have not, and some will not for some time.
This includes many of our volunteers. Please also remember that some households
have members who are still shielded (such as my own).
Secondly, our
building is not easy to manage with limited space. Service attendance will
still need to be pre-booked, and the guidelines strictly followed.
Thirdly,
some people found following the guidelines difficult in the autumn, and others
were made to feel uncomfortable by people removing their masks, walking about
the church or not keeping 2m distance before or after the service. For everyone
to feel welcome returning to church it is vital we all follow the rules
We
therefore intend to offer the following portfolio of online, outdoor and indoor
in person worship.
Good Friday
2nd April 10am Children’s
Easter Crafts in the Churchyard
2pm
– 4pm Open Church and Churchyard with
Reflections
Easter Day 4th April 10am Streamed Easter Eucharist
(musicians,
readers & intercessors will be invited in person from now on)
3pm Outdoor Easter Eucharist in
the Churchyard
Low Sunday 11th April 10am Streamed Eucharist
Easter 3 18th April 8am In
Person BCP Communion
10am Streamed Eucharist & APCM
Wednesday 21st April Noon Midweek Communion followed by
Open Church
Easter 4 25th April 8am In
Person BCP Communion
10am Streamed Eucharist
Wednesday 28th April Noon Midweek Communion followed by
Open Church
Easter 5 2nd May 8am In
Person BCP Communion
10am In Person & Streamed
Eucharist
Wednesday 5th April Noon Midweek Communion followed by
Open Church
Easter 6 9th May 8am In
Person BCP Communion
10am In Person & Streamed
Eucharist
3pm All Saints for All Seasons All
Age Outdoor Service
This main
midweek and Sunday pattern should continue going forward.
Other
church gatherings, such as Lighthouse Café, Tots & Teddies, Cameo, Place,
Home Groups and Lunch Club will re-open as guidance is updated and when leaders
and volunteers feel entirely comfortable to do so.
As Vicar it
important to me that our ministry team, standing committee and volunteers as
well as all worshippers feel safe, and that online worship continues to be
available too. This plan has been formulated considering the needs of the whole
body of the church.
We have
been instructed by the local council that:
As
faith leaders, you need to make sure staff and worshipers who use your premises
are kept safe at all times. Whilst engaging in any activities at the place of
worship or surrounding grounds, all parties must comply with the law and adhere
to social distancing guidelines to help protect our community.
It
is still recommended, that where possible, places of worship continue to stream
worship and other religious events online to avoid large gatherings and also to
continue to reach individuals that are self-isolating or are particularly
vulnerable to COVID-19.
As a
ministry team we are also available to bring communion at home or garden, for
those who are unable or feel uncomfortable attending worship together. Please
contact the parish office@allsaintslife.com to arrange a time.
Thank you
all for your patience, generosity and commitment over the last year. It has not
been easy, and many challenges lie ahead – but I am confident that God is with
us.
With much
love,
Fr. Eddie
Green
Vicar, All
Saints Leavesden.