Dear Friends at Winchester Road,
It is exciting news that Winchester is ready to open for morning worship on Sunday 2 August. I am very grateful to all the people who have worked hard to make this happen including cleaning the premises to enable this to happen.
Some people are not able to return to worship yet. Online worship will continue for the foreseeable future, so that everyone is included.
For those returning to church, there are a number of changes that have taken place, since we were last in church before lockdown.
The most important part of reopening is to keep everyone as safe as we can. Please continue to read and then keep this letter in a safe place so that you can refer to it in the coming weeks.
Please do not come to church if you or a member of your household feels unwell.
Arrive in plenty of time. When you reach the church remember to socially distance. The recommended distance is 2 metres.
Enter via the Hub. There is a one way system in place. You will be able to leave the church via the main front doors.
You will be asked to sanitize your hands.
A list will be taken of who is present so that we have a Track and Trace list in place. Names and phone numbers will be required. These will be destroyed after 21 days.
You will be taken to a seat in the church. It may not be where you usually sit. The pews have been marked with designated places. Please stay in your seat. Do not move about to chat to people.
We are not allowed to sing hymns. The music will be played for hymns and the words will be on the screen for you to read.
If you would like to bring your own Bible you may do so. Bibles will not be readily available in the pews.
The soft furnishings have been removed. If you need to sit on a cushion, please bring your own. If you want to leave it in the church, please bring a bag to put it in, with your name on it.
The collection plate will not be passed down the pews. Instead, a plate will be provided for you to use next to the exit.
Children must stay with their parents during the service. If an activity is required, each child will have a box with crayons, scissors etc for their sole use, with their name on it.
There will be no children’s toys or books available. Please bring your own if your child will require an item.
Please bring a bottle of water with you if you are likely to need a drink.
At the end of the service, please remain seated until the steward directs you to the door.
Toilet facilities will be available
Face masks are not mandatory but if you would prefer to wear a mask please bring one.
There will be no coffee served at the end. If you wish to chat to people please move away from the immediate church vicinity and remember to maintain social distance.
Everyone needs to be responsible so that we can keep each other safe, and reduce risk to everyone.
If you feel unwell in the days after the service, please inform Rev Hilary or one of the stewards so that those who have attended the service can be informed to self-isolate, in line with Government guidelines.
Please play your part in helping to protect others as well as yourself.
These guidelines will be reviewed as lockdown measures continue to lift.
I hope you will enjoy being back at church.
Take care, stay safe and God bless,
Hilary