ATTENDANCE AT CHURCH : LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF WORSHIPPERS

You will no doubt be aware that under the current regulations from the Scottish Government the maximum permitted number of socially distanced worshippers at any church service is capped at a maximum of 50 persons.

Last Sunday, 28 March, we reached this maximum permitted figure.  While it was wonderful to have so many people returning to church it was a worry for the stewards on duty in case anyone else sought admission.

Members of the congregation should be aware that once the limit of 50 is achieved no other worshippers will be permitted to attend that service. 

This would be a regrettable situation, but members of our church family will we are sure appreciate the importance of adhering strictly to all the Covid guidelines and regulations.

To assist the stewarding Elders, we would respectfully advise those intending to be present in church –

• To arrive early – doors will be open from 10.30 am. This also avoids a build up of people waiting to give their contact details.
• Go directly to the seat to which a steward will direct you and remain there until the end of the service. Please do not stop to chat with others already seated.
• We respectively remind everyone that under the Church of Scotland and Scottish Government guidelines no singing (or humming) to music played is permitted. Similarly, the congregational chanting of the Lord’s Prayer and Benediction is not allowed.  Worshippers should instead silently mouth the words to themselves.
• At the end of the service people should remain in their seats until directed to the appropriate exit by a stewarding Elder.

We deeply regret these restrictions on our normal worship practices but are certain that all will appreciate that these regulations must be followed to minimise the risk of spreading the virus amongst our congregation.