OPENING THE CHURCH FOR PRIVATE PRAYER                            11/06/20

As you will have heard or read we are now being told that the churches can re-open for private prayer.  However this is by no means just as simple as opening the doors and allowing free access.  The PCC are aiming to open the church, but they do have to work within the Government Guidelines and follow the instructions from the Church of England and the Diocese.

The church has been re-organised, and furniture moved, so as to allow for social distancing, and some areas have been closed off to limit the amount of cleaning required.

All books and kneelers have been removed as per the instructions that have been given.

There will only be one point of entry and a one-way system, which will be marked.

Hand sanitizer will be available at the point of entry, and must be used.

Ensuring that the church is cleaned after use is paramount.  The instructions are  that the church should be deep-cleaned after every opening, and that the cleaners should not be in the vulnerable age-group.

The guidance also states that if at all possible we should leave 72 hours between each opening to avoid having to deep clean every time.

Initially, therefore we are planning to open the church twice a week, beginning on Thursday 18th June from 10.00am to 1.00pm, then on Sunday 21st June from 1.00pm to 4.00pm.

At this stage we are being told that the church can only be opened for private prayer.

We will have to have two volunteers present whenever the church is open, they will be cleaning surfaces etc. after each visitor has left. The church will be cleaned thoroughly at the end of each open session.  The PCC will provide gloves, aprons and suitable cleaning products for this purpose.

As you will all be aware the situation is continually changing as is the guidance and advice.  The Churchwardens and PCC will be monitoring the situation carefully and amending as appropriate.  However it is important that we follow advice and guidelines to try to ensure the safety of everyone.

Mike Wake, Stephen Cox-Rusbridge     –   Churchwardens

PCC