In light of the recent Government briefing the team at St. John’s have been busy exploring how we can best serve our community whilst ensuring that we can still worship and celebrate the gift of Emmanuel that we journey towards through Advent. There are therefore some adjustments to services that we need to make you aware of. These have not been decided lightly but out of a deep concern for both the safety and the wellbeing of all our community and their loved ones they will meet over the coming days. With all that said, please can everyone be aware of the following:

• For all services we will re-introduce social distancing measures in Church. With the exception of one set of pews and the Children’s Corner, all seating will be spaced out and we will ensure every other pew remains empty so that all who come to services can feel safe whilst they worship. The resultant reduced capacity unfortunately means that seating will be on a first-come first served basis for the time being.
• Mask wearing remains a requirement for all who are not exempt when in any of the buildings but don’t worry if you forget yours – we have some you can pop on as you come through the doors.
• The receiving of Holy Communion will follow a slightly different system which will be in place from Sunday. Please stay in your seats until directed by our wonderful sides people.
• Refreshments & Coffee will unfortunately no longer be served after Christmas & Sunday services with the exception of the Longest Night Service which will be carefully thought through and explained to all in attendance. We will announce when coffee can restart as soon as we are able to – we hope that is soon in the new year!

As with all guidance at the moment this might well change before Christmas Day; if it does we will let you know as soon as we can. We trust that if you feel unwell in any way or have been in close contact with someone with Covid, the livestreaming of our services will allow you to still be with us in worship from wherever you are without risking exposing others in our community. We thank you for helping all in our Church family that way.