I’m pleased to say that our church buildings are now open again for worship from Sunday 31st May 2020. It’s symbolic that on the “Birthday of the Church”, the day that the Holy Spirit came on the first disciples “as they were gathered together in one place” is the day we can meet together again. We have Level 2 measures in place to keep us all safe, including physical distancing and contact tracing. Thank you to the team of people who have agreed to help with additional cleaning which is an important part of those measures.
Because of more stringent cleaning requirements, we have decided not to hold 2 services in St John’s Church building for the next few Sundays. Instead we will hold one service at 10am, but there will also be a Zoom service held at 8am that you can access by internet or phone (see below). This also means that those who have low-immunity or who have cold or flu symptoms can attend the Zoom service rather than missing out. Remember the golden rule: PLEASE DON’T come to church in person if you are sick, join online instead!
Services for June 2020
8am: ZOOM Morning Worship service from NZ Prayer Book. Zoom Room 454 651 6961
Service in Westport: 10am at St John’s Church with Sunday School.
Service in Granity: 10am at St Peter’s Church.
Service in Karamea: 11am at Holy Trinity Church.
I’ve asked the lay preachers to share about what God has been teaching them during the lockdown. It’s been a challenging time but also a time when God has been speaking into people’s lives. I’m excited to hear what they say!
When you come into church on Sunday, you can expect the following:-
Your vicar, Matt
Because of more stringent cleaning requirements, we have decided not to hold 2 services in St John’s Church building for the next few Sundays. Instead we will hold one service at 10am, but there will also be a Zoom service held at 8am that you can access by internet or phone (see below). This also means that those who have low-immunity or who have cold or flu symptoms can attend the Zoom service rather than missing out. Remember the golden rule: PLEASE DON’T come to church in person if you are sick, join online instead!
Services for June 2020
8am: ZOOM Morning Worship service from NZ Prayer Book. Zoom Room 454 651 6961
Service in Westport: 10am at St John’s Church with Sunday School.
Service in Granity: 10am at St Peter’s Church.
Service in Karamea: 11am at Holy Trinity Church.
I’ve asked the lay preachers to share about what God has been teaching them during the lockdown. It’s been a challenging time but also a time when God has been speaking into people’s lives. I’m excited to hear what they say!
When you come into church on Sunday, you can expect the following:-
- Please use hand sanitizer as you enter the building.
- The welcomer / sidesperson at the door will take your name to add to the contact register. This list remains in our possession unless there is a case of COVID-19 in our church in which case we pass it on to the Ministry of Health.
- Chairs have been moved so that they are 1 metre apart. If attending with members of your own bubble you can sit closer together on a pew.
- We will be able to sing and enjoy live music 😊
- Bring your own bible if you want to follow the readings.
- All words for the service in Westport will be on the projector screen.
- When sharing communion, we will only use the bread. This is because even with individual glasses there is a risk of spreading the virus. We will ask that you stay spaced 1m apart as you come up to the communion table and as you receive.
- Morning tea will be served to you rather than you making your own drink.
- The Holy Spirit will be amongst us in power as we gather in praise and worship! 😉
- Children please sit with your parents / caregivers until it is time to go out to Sunday School programme. Activities at Sunday School will be chosen to fit in with Level 2 protocols.
- Pre-school children. We are unable to run a staffed creche at Alert level 2. Instead we ask that parents / caregivers supervise their own children in the creche at the back of St John’s.
Your vicar, Matt