Information about worship from 19 July 2021
Under the latest government pandemic regulations, the congregation is now free to sing hymns, but we want to continue to be cautious and would ask you to wear a mask at all points during the service, including when you are singing, though not, of course, when you are receiving the bread and wine at Communion. We are following Methodist Church advice to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, by continuing to have shorter services and fewer hymns sung for the time being.
Arrival
On arrival (ideally between 10:15 and 10:30) please enter by either door.
The church will be well-ventilated with doors open, so if you feel the cold, please come prepared.
On entering,
please sanitise your hands. If you don’t
have any sanitiser with you, there will be some available.
We are asking all who can to wear a face covering whilst inside the church building.
Your presence will be recorded for Track and Trace purposes only. If you do not consent to this, please make it known as you enter. The lists will be destroyed after three weeks.
Seating
We are now using all pews but would encourage worshippers to keep distance between households and respect the space of others.
A steward will be present to offer help in finding a seat as you arrive. Please note that, once seated, further movement will be limited.
Departure
We are now offering coffee/tea and a biscuit, giving the opportunity for fellowship after the service for those who wish to remain.
Children
We are still not offering creche or Junior Church facilities. Children are very welcome to attend worship and stay with their family group in the pew throughout the service.
Communion
At Communion services, the bread and wine will be administered by means of the individual ‘Fellowship Cups’ with the tear-off lids. Please collect one of these from the table at the back of the church as you come in. We will not currently be using the communion rail, kneeling, or having dismissals, and careful sanitation will be observed.
General points
Offerings may be placed in the box near your point of entry/exit. To avoid unnecessary movement this will not be presented during the service.
A toilet will be available.
The above arrangements may change depending on current advice and issues.
Covid-19 resources
The following devotional resources are available, if you are unable to join us for worship in our church during the Covid-19 crisis.
Video talks, and later complete services, were published each Sunday during Lockdown 2 and these can be found here:
Maundy Thursday - 1 April 2021
Sunday morning worship from Trinity Church Sutton is being streamed live at 10 am each week and a recording is available afterwards.
There is a live stream available from Wesley’s Chapel on Sundays at 9:45 and 11:00.
You can also download a special Methodist 'worship from home' service sheet for each Sunday.
Rosemary & Philip published a short interactive weekly blog during Lockdown1 to enable Methodist churches in the north of the Sutton Circuit to share a weekly meditation and encourage comments and discussion.
We produced special meditations and worship resources for Holy Week and Easter Day.
Here are some useful downloadable ecumenical prayer resources…