Noticeboard   

Sunday Worship  11 a.m.

You are welcome to join us at our Sunday Worship Service  in the church or via Facebook Live. (www.facebook.com/barnesbaptistchurch) 

SEPTEMBER 2020

Morning Worship - We are currently looking at Paul's letter to the churches of Galatia

The Government has announced that churches may resume attended services as of 4 July, but strict guidelines issued and endorsed by the Baptist Union and London Baptist Association are to be adhered to. 

  In order for us to re-open the church for public worship we need to meet current government requirements. It is in accordance with these requirements that the Baptist Union of Great Britain has issued the following guidelines. Please familiarise yourself with them before coming to the church.

  We have carried out a risk assessment and have had to make a number of changes to ensure the church is a safe environment and that risks are kept to a minimum. However, we all need to act responsibly and considerately. COVID-19 has not gone away and as long as the threat remains it cannot be ‘church as usual’. Please be patient and understanding as we journey together through these challenging times.

 Key Principles for Safely Opening Places of Worship

• We have introduced a one-way entrance and exit route into the main hall. Once through the main doors turn left to enter the worship area. (Exit via the right-hand door).

• Hand sanitisers are to be used on entry and exit. These are clearly marked next to the doors. Observing high standards of hygiene is essential. Further hand sanitisers and sprays are located in the hall.

• Because of the small premises and the relatively close proximity of others you may wish to wear a face covering. Gloves can be worn but are not considered necessary as long as hygienic practises are followed.

• Sanitisers and paper towels are available in each of the toilets. Please adhere to the hygiene instructions and deposit hand tissues in the pedal bins. If possible, use your toilet facilities before you leave home rather than those in the church.

• Please observe social distancing at all times, ideally 2 meters, or 1 meter plus minimum. We have repositioned the chairs in order to ensure attendees sit 1.5 meters apart. Members of one household are not required to socially distance and can sit together.

• Avoid touching objects that are handled communally. Bibles, hymn books, etc. have been removed. Avoid touching property belonging to others.

• People should avoid singing, shouting, raising voices. This is because of the potential for increased risk of transmission from aerosol and drople

• We are advised at this time to refrain from observing the Lord’s Supper. If you wish to take Communion please contact me for an alternative arrangement.

• Sharing of food and drink is to be avoided.

• As much as we would like to follow our normal pattern of service and fellowship, we are advised that services should be concluded in the shortest reasonable time and that once completed, the congregation should depart promptly to minimise the risk of contact and spread of infection.

• We will be keeping a record of attendees for Track and Trace purposes. Records will be disposed of after a period of 21 days.

• Where possible monetary offerings / tithes should be made via standing order, etc. to avoid the handling of cash. If this is not an option, put them in the collection plate provided on the premises, the plate will not be passed round.

Please note:

The church will be thoroughly cleaned before and after each service. But your co-operation is essential to health and safety of the fellowship.

Sadly, there will be those who feel unable to attend because of their vulnerability and/or need to isolate. Those over 70 are also advised to stay at home. We will continue to stay in contact and will be remembering you in our prays. Please stay in touch!

More importantly, if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or are self-isolating because of possible or actual COVID-19 in your household or because you have been told to do so by NHS Test and Trace you must stay home.

Finally,it would be helpful to know if you are coming to the Sunday Service as it helps us with our preparations. If so, please email me or text Esther to confirm.

Thank you.

Pastor Graham

graham.pulham@live.co.uk