Coronavirus Updates

What to expect at church?

It is our priority to ensure that when you come into church for a service everyone is safe.

We are therefore following the guidelines that are in force from the Church of England. Currently that means that:

  • There will be sanitizer as you come into church. Use it as you come in, and also as you leave.
  • You are required to wear a face mask at all times unbless you have dispensation. If you need a mask, we have them available.
  • We are required to take contact details for NHS Test and Trace. If you are able, you can use the QR code and the NHS app on your smartphone. Otherwise, you will need to give your details to one of the welcoming team.
  • We have carefully measured out the seats in church so we can maintain two=metre distancing. They are marked with a green tick. People from the same household may sit together.
  • We are administering the bread only. Currently the chalice is not being shared. Before administering the priest will sanitise and put on a mask.
  • The laying on of hands is not allowed, so we will not touch you when we give a blessing.
  • All catering has been suspended. There is therefore no coffee after church.

Can't come to church?

Individuals and families unable to join public worship may find some of these resources helpful. 

Daily prayer resources from the Church of England, and links to worship apps can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayer

The Church of England has also published a page of prayers and intercessions for personal or group use. There are special prayers for use if you can't get to church. There is also a simple form of morning and evening prayer which can be downloaded and printed.

The National Children and Youth department have assembled some resources here: http://www.going4growth.com/growth_in_faith_and_worship/faith-in-the-home, with a Worship at Home sheet available to download.  


Services Cancelled

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have today announced that for the time being public services in the Church of England must be cancelled. We will, over the coming days, keep you updated on how we at St John's can support you during these difficult times. At this time, although we cannot have any services, we would like you to know that the church will be open at the usual time of Sunday worship at 10am so that people can come in and be quiet, pray, or light a candle.


Church Closure

Following the Prime Minister's announcement on Monday 23rd, all church buildings are now closed. This means we are no longer allowed to open the church for private prayer. We are also no longer allowed to hold weddings or baptisms.

Please do send us your prayer requests. We may not be able to hold services in the church, or open it for you to pray, but we can pray on your behalf. Your prayer requests are sent to the clergy and we will offer them each day when we celebrate mass on behalf of the community.


Church Open

As of July 5th the church is now reopen for services.

We currentlky have two each week:
Sunday at 10am
Thursday at 10am.

Details here of the safety provisions we currently have in place to keep the congregation safe.