Covid-19 Updates
Pastoral Offices at All Saints’ Church Staplehurst
We are back in church for worship and to conduct all three pastoral offices, but of course with the added guidelines to keep everybody safe.
We are now allowed up to 30/35 people attending. We can sit safely about 35 people. I am afraid the wearing of the mask for the congregation is obligatory. Couples getting married and the Vicar doesn’t have to wear a mask at the service and at funerals and baptisms the parents and the next of kin neither.
We can play the organ or/and use the CD Sound system and are able to let a soloist sing during the service. We are not yet able to sing all together.
Often people ask me if they have to be churchgoers in order to use the church. The answer is no you don’t. You don’t have to be baptised or confirmed to get married in church either or to have your child baptised. All Saints Church is your Parish Church regardless of your beliefs. You actually have a legal right to use the church. Please do look at our website for more information. The only thing to bear in mind is that the Church of England has its own legal framework, like for example the Churchyard Regulations that differ from what is permitted in cemeteries. Its most current version is the Canterbury Churchyard regulations 2015, which you can find on the internet.
As everything is changing everywhere due to the pandemic and people like to know fees before making contact. Please have a look at fees on our Downloads page. There are no statutory fees for baptisms apart from the certificate, which is not obligatory to have.
If you have any questions, please either ring me on 01580891258 or e-mail me on allsaintsstaplehurst.enterprise.net
With kind wishes, Silke
Services
SUNDAY
9.30 am Sunday Worship via Zoom, later uploaded to YouTube
11 am Sunday Worship in church
MIDWEEK Tuesday – Friday via Zoom
9.30am Morning Prayer
5.00pm Evening Prayer
Zoom ID for all services: 8365783814
DAILY
10.00am – 4.00pm Private daily prayer in church
Recommencing Services in the Church Building
The PCC held a special meeting in July via Zoom to discuss the Risk Assessment required for holding services in church. Even in the large All Saints building, only up to 35 individuals/households can be accommodated to comply with social distancing requirements.
The PCC agreed that it would be prudent initially to start with a Service of the Word on Sunday mornings. Members were unanimous that the Zoom services are a success and should be continued.
Thank you for your patience.
Returning to public worship in church
It is a joy to start the return to holding services in the church building. However, precautions need to be taken to ensure this is as safe is as possible.
If you are planning to attend a service in church, the PCC requests that you carefully read the following guidance beforehand:
- Only come to a service in church if you are feeling well, and there is no one in your home with Covid 19 symptoms
- Bring a facemask: you are requested to wear this when entering the church building and when standing and moving around.
- Enter the church through the usual, west door, or through the south door at the side.
- If others arrive at the same time as you, check you are respecting 2m social distancing as you queue. Please read any additional signs about H&S as you wait.
- On entering the church, thoroughly use the hand sanitiser provided.
- A Sidesperson will record your name and this will be kept for 21 days. Should you become ill with Covid 19 symptoms, please inform the parish office, so that track and trace procedures can be alerted to ensure the safety of all.
- You will be directed to sit at a wooden pew place marked with a green tick. Please bring your own cushion/blanket if required and take home with you.
- Instead of a collection plate being handed round, your contribution can be left in the plate as you leave. A contactless card reader is also available for donations.
- Stay seated during the service. If you wish to speak to anyone near you afterwards, remain seated.
- When you are ready to leave the church building both doors can be used: take care to do this observing social distancing, and whilst in the churchyard.
Church is Open for Private Prayer
The church building is now open daily from 10 – 4 for Private Prayer.
Should you wish to pray in the church, on entering the porch you are requested to use handsanitiser and read the guidelines and restrictions for your own safety and that of others in this shared space.
Please sit in pews marked “in use” and follow physical distancing rules. Whilst the nave of the church is open, other areas remain closed.
All entrance doors will remain open: in adverse weather conditions the church will be closed.
Mary Henley – Churchwarden (01580) 891225