Coronavirus

‘I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.”’ Psalm 122:1

We are now open for services at 11am on Sundays. We confirm we have complied with the government’s guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19.

  • We have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and shared the results with the people who work and worship here
  • We have cleaning, hand cleaning and hygiene procedures in line with guidance
  • We have taken all reasonable steps to maintain a 2m distance in the church and we are wearing face coverings to mitigate the risk
  • We are keeping accurate temporary records of visitors for 21 days to support NHS Test and Trace
  • If you would like to join us on Sunday, please ring our Pastor, Fortune on 07811 952830

Weekly sermons and newsletters are also being emailed and delivered to those in the fellowship if they are shielding or unable to attend. Please let Fortune know on 07811 952 830 if you would like to be added to the mailing list or use the contact form.

We are also holding a Zoom/Skype fellowship time on Sundays at 6.00pm for those who can join. Please speak to Fortune for contact details.

Hope Beyond Coronavirus

We are grateful to 10ofthose for permission to have this leaflet written by Roger Carswell.
HOPE BEYOND CORONAVIRUS

General Information for worship

As we open Emmanuel for worship, we are thankful to God for His keeping power over the last six months. The following information is for those attending worship services that will be held at 11.00am on Sundays from 6th September 2020 until further notice.

Covid Symptoms

Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 (a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of, or change in, their normal sense of taste or smell) should not attend Emmanuel due to the risk that they pose to others; they should self-isolate at home immediately with other members of their household.

Numbers

We have a voluntary ‘cap’ of 16 people at Emmanuel due to the arrangement of furniture to maintain 2m distances and for adequate ventilation. Please stay in your household group or bubble and sit on forward-facing seats only.

Social distancing The two-metre ‘rule’ applies for public worship except in situations where closer contact cannot be avoided; extra Public Health precautions must then be taken. Please be aware that we may have to have a queue along the front of church when you arrive and keep your distance.

Face masks

Wearing of face coverings by all those attending a place of worship is mandatory unless leading the service or assisting by reading or praying.

Exemptions:

  • young children under the age of 11
  • not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental
    illness or impairment, or disability
  • if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
  • if you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to
    communicate
  • to eat or drink, but only if you need to
  • to take medication

Individuals at risk

While those at extra risk and the ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ should be advised of the risks of attending public worship, a decision to do so is theirs alone.

NHS Test and Trace Consent

Government guidance includes a voluntary request for names of attendees to be recorded with entry and exit times. Consent needs to be given for personal details to be stored safely for 21 days and made available to NHS Test and Trace if required. Please complete the form and bring on Sunday to avoid delays.

Covid consent form

Toilets

If you need to use our facilities during the service, please use the front door to leave the main building and enter the Hall by the side door. Use hand sanitiser before going up the stairs to the toilet. We are operating a ‘one in-one out’ arrangement to maintain social distancing. Following the principle of ‘Clean as you go’, please use the cleaning products available to clean the toilet after you have finished. Please wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using running water and soap. We now have paper towels that should be disposed of in the pedal bins. Please use hand sanitiser when re-entering the church via the front door.

Singing

Congregations are not permitted to sing

Refreshments

Refreshments cannot be served in our church at present

Bibles

Church Bibles will be available that have been quarantined for 48 hours before and after services.

Church Library

This will not be available at present

Children’s toys and games

Please can parents provide books or toys from home for the foreseeable future as our shared ones will have to be put away for now.

Offering

Your contributions to the work of the church are greatly valued, but we would kindly ask you to find an alternative to cash donations. If you need advice, please contact Penny Thomson (Treasurer) on 01252 783050. Thank you!