Coronavirus update

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Update 13 December 2021 – Update of Government Guidance for Places of Worship

Please note that the document COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) has been updated to incorporate the changes announced as part of the implementation of Plan B restrictions.  This does not supercede the Methodist Church’s guidance published previously below, and therefore both sets of guidance can and should be read together.

Update 9 December 2021 – Changes to Government Guidance

Following the announcement by the Prime Minister on 8 December to move to Plan B measures (ENGLAND ONLY) to combat the spread of the Omicron variant, a number of restrictions will affect those worshipping, using or working within Methodist church property settings.  We will continue to monitor Government guidance and provide updates or further details as they become available:

What are the main considerations for using our buildings following Government Plan B guidance?

1. Is it a legal requirement to wear face coverings in a Place of Worship?

YES – All those using a place of worship or ancillary buildings have to wear a face covering by law from Friday 10 December 2021.  The Government guidance also outlines situations where individuals may be exempt.  This is outlined here – Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).  There are reasonable exemptions from this, while someone is leading worship or giving a reading for example.  For specific guidance on singing see below.

  1. Can we still use our church buildings?

YES – there are currently no restrictions on continuing to use our church buildings.  Although the Government is now advising office workers to work from home if they can from Monday 13 December.  Churches should therefore consider how this advice affects those who work or use the church building and if temporary adjustments can be made during this period.  For further information refer to – Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

  1. Do we need to ask building users for a NHS Covid Pass?

NO – places of worship and ancillary buildings will not be required to ask for evidence from building users, see Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) under the heading Required use of the NHS COVID Pass.  This includes activities such as communal worship, and ceremonies to mark life events such as weddings and funerals.  Note: activities which take place after these events in the building such as wedding receptions, will only need to request a NHS Covid Pass if there are 500 or more attending indoors.

  1. Can we still sing in church?

YES – the current Government changes have not advised against singing.  In relation to face coverings whilst singing, the current Government guidance states the following:

“There is a reasonable excuse for someone to remove a face covering when it is reasonably necessary for them to sing, for example, if they are singing as part of a choir, or during a service, rehearsal or for a performance.

This does not extend to circumstances where it is not reasonably necessary to sing. For example, it may not be reasonably necessary for someone to sing whilst shopping, on public transport, or whilst in an in-scope setting such as a cinema, theatre or library.

This change allows those who are taking part in activities where singing is reasonably necessary to choose to remove their face covering if they prefer whilst singing. When singing, you should consider keeping the face covering on.”

Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Based on this guidance, we would advise that those singing in specific settings such as choirs/worship groups can remove their face coverings to sing, as it is for those leading a service or preaching for example.  In other situations though, particularly in a setting of communal singing, we would strongly advise that face coverings are kept on.

5. Should we continue to ventilate indoors or meet outdoors if possible:

YES – If this is not possible or practical, Government SAGE data suggests that opening windows regularly for 10 minutes, or a small amount continuously, can help reduce the risk of transmission compared to no ventilation.  The use of CO2 monitors can also help highlight areas of poor natural ventilation in a building.  There is also an ‘easy read’ version of the Government’s more detailed ventilation guidance, which can be found here – Ventilation of indoor spaces to stop the spread of COVID-19 (easy read) (publishing.service.gov.uk).

6. Do we need to socially distance?

NO – there is currently no Government requirement for the reintroduction of social distancing within church settings.  A level of distancing to protect those who are vulnerable can be considered though as part of a specific risk assessment for the room or activity.  This is a local decision for the managing trustees, based on the local situation.

7. Should we continue to get tested and self-isolate if needed:

YES – Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate and take a free PCR test as soon as possible.  Anyone who tests positive must self-isolate.  Equally, anyone notified they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive should also take a free PCR test as soon as possible and self-isolate if required.  Stay at home if you are feeling unwell.

8. Should we continue to encourage good hygiene practice:

YES – Provide hand sanitiser in convenient areas throughout the building for everyone to use; keep established practices of cleaning surfaces touched regularly and rooms with high use by different groups such as toilets and kitchens.

Rev Graham Morgan

Superintendent Minister

North Yorkshire Coast Methodist Circuit

Churches Together in Scarborough Christian Unity Service

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The annual C.T.I.S. Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will take place on Sunday, 23rd. January at Westborough at 6.30 p.m.   The service will basically be that prepared by the Churches of the Middle East and provided by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland with the theme of “We saw His Star in the East …”.   The preacher will be the Chair of C.T.I.S., the Reverend John Hartley.   An offering will be taken for the charitable organisations supported by C.T.I.S.   Please come and share in this act of worship as we unite as Christians in Scarborough and beyond.

District Prayer Gathering

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District prayer gathering online– starting on 6th January, at 6.30pm!

A few weeks ago District Chair, Leslie Newton, suggested we begin a regular online District prayer gathering. It was encouraging to receive much positive feedback. So, from Thursday 6th January, we’ll be hosting a weekly online time of prayer – focussing on seeking God’s renewal for our lives, church and world. We’ll begin at 6.30pm for about 45 minutes.

at https://www.yorkshirenemethodist.org/news-events/district-online-weekly-prayer-gathering/?fbclid=IwAR0AeN7bKxR1LygLVd3hnScYYaOu2r8uwYq8PnXaTYWvyqi-t5O0Qpttw04

Christmas Message from the Superintendent

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Christmas 2021
Letter from Rev Graham Morgan, Superintendent Minister
As 2021 draws to a close, I look back on a year that has been difficult and different in so many ways. We began in lockdown and continued to reach out to one another via telephone calls, messages through the post, electronic communications, including Zoom business meetings and online services. I give thanks to everyone that rose to the challenge of those difficult days and kept the message and the business of the church alive.
Easter Day was the day in which many of our churches reopened their doors for worship though some people were cautious about rushing back through the doors.
As the year has progressed and people have been ‘jabbed’ and ‘double jabbed’ church life has begun to resemble some kind of normality though with some notable differences.
I look around and observe some of those differences; In some churches there is no longer a vestry prayer with the preacher, rather the preacher is welcomed at the beginning of the service and a prayer offered, not only for the preacher, but for the whole congregation.
The offering is made as people enter, or leave the church, meaning that the offering plates are not passed around the church which often caught unsuspecting visitors by surprise and sometimes was the cause of embarrassment.
Holy Communion is taken in our seats and all eat and drink together.
I note that, apart from special occasions, there are no evening services on a Sunday but I also note that some churches, that previously held evening services, are thinking imaginatively about worship being offered mid-week.
Some of those changes have become the ‘new norm’ and there is a reluctance to go back to the way that things were because the way that things are now are working so well.
Amidst the changes, we still worship the one who changes not. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
This causes me to look forward as we approach a new year. If the last year or so has taught us anything, it has surely taught us that the unexpected can happen and ultimately, the message of Advent is look out because one day, Jesus will return to this world of ours. Whatever 2022 brings, and some churches need to have difficult conversations and have difficult decisions to make, let us (look up) “fix our eyes on Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:2
As 2022 draws near I pray that you have a happy and blessed Christmas. Let us look ahead with confidence knowing that our God has gone before us, walks with us and has promised never to leave us nor to forsake us.
With Christian love and prayers, Graham

Cayton Christmas Tree Festival

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This takes place on Saturday 11th December 11am – 3pm. It includes stalls, food and the Cayton Calypso Steel Band. All Welcome. The service is on Sunday 11th December at 10.30am and is followed by coffee and mince pies. All welcome.

Omicron variant

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In response to questions relating to guidance regarding the Omicron variant of Covid-19 and the absence of connexional advice, the circuit recommends that we encourage people to use sanitiser when entering the church, to wear masks whilst moving around the church and to continue to respect one another’s space.