Our church has been open since Sunday 28th March 2021 (Palm Sunday) following the 2020/21 Winter lockdown period. On 19th July 2021 the UK Government changed the rules concerning worship in churches, allowing a return to normal activities, if so desired. However, we feel that a more cautious approach is needed at this time, therefore worship at BCMC will continue in the same manner as we've been observing this year for the time being. The minister and stewards will be reviewing the situation and make a decision on whether we can return to a more normal experience of worship and when the right time to do that is. Here is some information on what to expect when you attend a Sunday morning service at BCMC.
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, we will not be able to worship in exactly the same way as we have always done. We want to keep everybody as safe and as healthy as we
can and we recognise that for many it may not be the right time to come back. The ministers and stewards understand this completely and because of this the
printed and video services will continue into 2021 until further notice. Please consider your own safety and the safety of others as well as the current Government advice as you
decide- please feel free to talk to your pastoral visitors or the minister if
you are not sure.
To help you decide, here is an idea of what coming to a service will be like:
As you approach the church
The doors will be wedged open and the paths marked in 2 metre spaces like the shops.
There will be hand sanitisers just inside the doors for you to use.
Visitors will be asked to leave their details for ‘Track and Trace’. If you are a regular attender the steward will just make a note that you are present.
We are asking you to bring and use masks unless you are medically exempt. There will be a few available at the door if you forget.
Inside the church
The new chairs will be spaced for social distancing and the remaining pews at the back will be available for family groups ('bubbles').
We would ask you not to gather to chatter but a friendly wave would be welcome.
The service will be shorter than usual, around 30-40 minutes.
The service will contain music but we are asked not to sing, (quietly speaking the words under your breath or humming quietly is ok).
At the end of the service there will be no refreshments offered and we are encouraged not to congregate but to consider maintaining social distancing as we leave, (a cheerful wave is always appreciated.)
Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions we cannot offer lifts to and from church at this time, neither can we provide a Sunday school (Sunday Club) but activity packs will be available to families with children during the service.
Please
check back for updated information in this ever changing situation.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.