Saturday 12th September 2020

We continue to work our way through life in the pandemic and recognise the changes that are needed in the things of everyday life. The situation remains serious and government direction has in recent days brought about some changes which again add limitations to the way things work.

In the Shaw & Royton Circuit, none of our church buildings are yet open for public worship and we continue with our online worship. We have conducted a survey of church members in order assess the feeling across the circuit. The overwhelming majority of people are remaining very cautious about a return to worship in our church buildings. The Circuit Meeting takes place on Thursday 17 September 2020 will discuss this further.

The most recent update from the Methodist Connexional Team, on 10 September, answers some of the questions that we are asking ourselves about the impact the recent restriction have upon church activities.

In summary:

Places of Worship can remain open for services and prayer. As before, the limit on the number of people is determined by the risk assessment with attendees divided into multiple groups of no more than 6 people.

Weddings and funerals are still allowed and maximum numbers remain at 30 with people divided into multiple groups of no more than 6.

Community Halls remain open and activities are allowed as before but within each activity, participants can be in groups that consist of no more than 6 people.

The government has emphasised that venues must be Covid-19 secure and contact details must be left for Test and Trace. 

 Here is a prayer for September, written and read by the Revd Richard Teal, President of the Methodist Conference. 

Blessings abound!
Adrian

The Revd Dr Adrian Burdon
Superintendent Minister
The Methodist Church in Oldham
Shaw & Royton Circuit | Oldham & Saddleworth Circuit