Here’s an update about what we’ll be doing on Sundays now that the easing of mandatory social distancing measures are in effect as of the 19th July 2021.
Many of us have been looking forward to being able to mingle freely, sing and relate with normal social contact with our friends when we gather at Church.
We are also all conscious of the sacrifices people have made to protect one another in our communities. We are aware that a significant minority of people struggle with the philosophy of mask wearing or have reservations about the vaccine or have not been vaccinated.
All this at a time when Covid infections are very high indeed in our area. While the August 16th target date is yet to be reached for changes to self isolation for vaccinated people, legal self isolation is one consequence of the pandemic which has disrupted people's wedding, holiday and other precious social plans.
Bearing those things in mind this is our proposal for Woodlands Central services over the next month, as we try and gauge the outcomes from government changes.
SUMMER PLANS FOR SUNDAYS
ONLINE SERVICES WILL CONTINUE
First of all, our online provision will continue. The 8.30 am service will be zoomed and 11am and 7 pm will be live streamed as well as in person. For the vulnerable and those cautious about quickly returning to former patterns of worship, we understand and will try and serve you in this way.
ZONED SEATING ON SUNDAYS
At our in person services we plan two seating zones in Church. For those who feel confident about this we will have an area at the front of Church where seating will be closer together. You will be able to sing, but we'd like to ask you to put on masks when you do so while infection rates are so high for other people's protection.
Behind the sound desk we will have a socially distanced seating zone for people who want to be in the building, but would value feeling in a safer space. People sitting here will be invited to leave before the rest of the congregation when worship finishes.
BOOKINGS REQUIRED
Importantly we would like you to book your free ticket for worship, indicating which zone you want to sit in to help us manage this well. We are still limiting capacity in our new zoned areas. These arrangements will begin from Sunday 26th July.
Do bear with us as we try and walk the narrow path of freedom and responsibility. We welcome any feedback about this (and anything else to be honest!. Feedback is learning).