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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.

Easter 2021 church services

We were delighted that the church re-opened as planned for worship this Palm Sunday, 28 March 2021.

 

Easter services will be as follows:

Friday 02 April (Good Friday)  at 7.00 pm  –  Preparatory Service.

Sunday 04 April (Easter Sunday) at 11.00 am  –  Communion Service.

Tuesday 06 April at 7.00 pm  –  Prayer Service.

 

Those wishing to attend the Communion Service on Easter Sunday are asked to bring their own piece of bread as we are not permitted to distribute bread as we did previously.  Individual disposable plastic glasses and a sealed container of Fellowship Cup will be provided at each seating place.

 

Due to continued restrictions we are unable to hold the sunrise service at The Lump again this year.

The requirement for the church to be cleaned and sanitised following each service means that only one service can be held each Sunday  –  there will, until further notice, be no evening worship.

The format for morning worship will be the same as that which operated from October to December last year i.e.

  • A maximum of 50 worshippers, all wearing face coverings, can be accommodated.
  • Socially distanced seating arrangements must be followed.
  • No singing of praise is permitted.
  • Worshippers will be directed to and from their seats by the Elders in attendance.

 

Easter 2021 Church Magazine

As we prepare for Easter here is the latest edition of the Church Magazine, full of interesting updates and articles. Enjoy!

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Church re-opens for worship on Sunday 28 March 2021

REOPENING OF OUR CHURCH FOR WORSHIP

You will be aware from the First Minister’s recent announcement that, subject to a maximum attendance of 50 persons, churches may reopen for services of worship from 26 March 2021.

Following a Kirk Session meeting where there was unanimous agreement that we reopen, and having received the necessary approval by Presbytery that all required safety procedures are in place, we are pleased to intimate that the church will reopen for worship on Sunday 28 March 2021.  The requirement for the church to be cleaned and sanitised following each service means that only one service can be held each Sunday  –  there will, until further notice, be no evening worship.

The format for morning worship will be the same as that which operated from October to December last year i.e.

  • A maximum of 50 worshippers, all wearing face coverings, can be accommodated.
  • Socially distanced seating arrangements must be followed.
  • No singing of praise is permitted.
  • Worshippers will be directed to and from their seats by the Elders in attendance.

 

The pattern of services will be as follows –

Sunday 28 March at 11.00 am  – Sunday Morning Worship.

Friday 02 April (Good Friday)  at 7.00 pm  –  Preparatory Service.

Sunday 04 April (Easter Sunday) at 11.00 am  –  Communion Service.

Tuesday 06 April at 7.00 pm  –  Prayer Service.

 

Those wishing to attend the Communion Service on Easter Sunday are asked to bring their own piece of bread as we are not permitted to distribute bread as we did previously.  Individual disposable plastic glasses and a sealed container of Fellowship Cup will be provided at each seating place.

 

We hope and pray that this is the first step towards a return to our normal style of worship and the ability for us all to worship our Lord in His own house.

 

Bill Marshall

Session Clerk

 

Easter Church Magazine-update

Easter 2021

Easter is traditionally the time of year when our first edition of the Church Magazine is issued.  Whilst we are unable to consider the former method of delivering copies of the magazine to the doors of members of the congregation, through the Church Website we can still broadcast our news and messages.

The last few editions of the magazine were produced during the period when the church was closed and, consequently, these magazines lacked the personal input from yourselves.  Such articles have so much more meaning for and impact on our readers.  Please remember that this is YOUR magazine, and your contributions are so important and welcomed.

While we might think that there is nothing for us to write about why not consider writing even just 100 words on “A day in my life under lockdown”  telling everyone how you spend your time at home, what you hate about it and what you actually like about it.  Or how about 100 words on “The three things I most want to do when coronavirus is over” or even “Vaccination Day !”

Now use some of that extra time we all have  these days to share your thoughts and feelings with your friends from the church.  Articles, poetry, favourite verses, or hymns share them with us all.

Articles can be emailed to me at wwm74marl@hotmail.com or posted to me at 3A Balmeanach, The Braes, Portree IV51 9NH.  Handwritten articles are perfectly acceptable  –  we have a typing service, if required.

I’m pleased to say some articles have been received but more are always welcome, no matter how short, and to allow for that the deadline has been extended to Friday 19 March.

Bill Marshall

 

 

 

Church Magazine

Easter 2021

 

Although our church doors remain closed during this further period of lockdown, the church is still alive, albeit through the internet and website.

Easter is less than 2 months away with Sunday 04 April being Easter Sunday.  Our sincere hope is that before that date our doors will once again open to allow our Sunday worship even if that is again the new format of socially distanced seating and a limit on the number of worshippers permitted to attend.

If this comes to pass then we would hope that we might, once again, be able to gather at the Lord’s Table and celebrate communion together.

Easter is traditionally the time of year when our first edition of the Church Magazine is issued.  Whilst we are unable to consider the former method of delivering copies of the magazine to the doors of members of the congregation, through the Church Website we can still broadcast our news and messages.

The last few editions of the magazine were produced during the period when the church was closed and, consequently, these magazines lacked the personal input from yourselves.  Such articles have so much more meaning for and impact on our readers.  Please remember that this is YOUR magazine, and your contributions are so important and welcomed.

While we might think that there is nothing for us to write about why not consider writing even just 100 words on “A day in my life under lockdown”  telling everyone how you spend your time at home, what you hate about it and what you actually like about it.  Or how about 100 words on “The three things I most want to do when coronavirus is over” or even “Vaccination Day !”

In all the phone calls we have been making recently most people have been saying “There’s no news” but remember that the Bible is full of news – GOOD NEWS!  Good news and encouragement

”I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears” Psalm 34:4 We can take our anxiety and depression to Him because He wants to help us.  He will always listen to us and help us.

Now use some of that extra time we all have  these days to share your thoughts and feelings with your friends from the church.  Articles, poetry, favourite verses, or hymns share them with us all.

Articles can be emailed to me at wwm74marl@hotmail.com or posted to me at 3A Balmeanach, The Braes, Portree IV51 9NH.  Handwritten articles are perfectly acceptable  –  we have a typing service, if required.

It would be very much appreciated if contributions could be sent to me by Monday 8 March.

Bill Marshall

 

 

 

Life and Work

Life and Work, the monthly magazine of the Church of Scotland, is available online from £1.99 or take out a digital or print subscription. Thought provoking articles and a connection with the wider Church, more important than ever during the pandemic. Find out more on this link:

https://www.lifeandwork.org/

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