Singing in church from Sunday 13 June 2021

“One more step along the world I go”.

At a meeting held on Thursday 10 June, Kirk Session discussed the recent decision by the Scottish Government’s to move Highland Region into Level 1 of Covid restrictions, and also the Church of Scotland’s revised guidelines which followed this announcement.

Following a review of our Congregational Risk Assessment, Kirk Session agreed unanimously to the reintroduction of singing in church and to the congregational reciting of the Lord’s Prayer and the Benediction.  These are all permissible under the Level 1 arrangements and will commence on Sunday 13 June.

While these developments are extremely welcome, members of the congregation should note that face coverings must still be worn throughout the service of worship.

Music to accompany the praise will be provided by John Cameron or Lian Na Rose, or when neither is available our own music system will be used.  Hymn books will not be issued to the congregation and the hymn lyrics will be projected onto the wall of the church.  Initially two hymns will be sung with the intention to increase this in due course to our normal four items of praise.

If they wish, members of the congregation may bring a cushion to church, but these should be taken home at the end of each service.

It was also agreed unanimously by Session that, given the continuing concerns over Covid transmission and new variants and also the impossibility of maintaining our cleaning and hygiene regime, the church would not be open to visitors this summer.

At the meeting of the Congregational Board earlier on Thursday evening the decision was taken to continue with the closure of the Church Hall to groups.  This decision would be reviewed in early September following discussions with representatives of the groups involved.

Kirk Session is delighted that we are able to take these further steps towards a more normal Sunday service and would wish to thank all members of the congregation for their support and adherence to the regulations during this extended period of disruption.

Bill Marshall

Session Clerk