Rev David shares the latest news from the Beaminster Team on how we’ll be doing church differently.
Thank you to all who have helped in ensuring that our churches across the Beaminster Team Area remain open and a constant resource for prayer and a spiritual place for hope and peace.
As you all are aware, the pace of change and instructions is ongoing and I receive updates from the national church and the Diocese several times a day. The present situation is as outlined below:
Church is not closed – we are just doing church differently. Please continue to open churches daily and please put updates on notice boards and, if possible, in prominent places in villages.
We are making prayer and worship available in churches for people to take away with them so please check and replace if possible. There is also worship and study material available on this website and we will be putting worship for Mothering Sunday up on Saturday.
Rev Chat will continue to appear as Jo and I discuss the Gospel passage for the coming Sunday. Please join me from the comfort of your armchair each day at 9.00 am and 4.00 pm for prayers.
You can download the C/E daily prayer app onto your tablets and phones for free.
Funeral Ministry
Christian funerals can still take place in church but with restrictions on attendance to immediate family only. There can be no organist or verger and full social distancing must be observed.
Wedding Ministry
Weddings can still take place in church but only the bride, groom, two witnesses and the minister can attend. There should also be no receptions. To support families in both of these situations we will offer thanksgiving and blessing services once things return to normal and we have already rearranged two weddings for the autumn.
Baptism Ministry
Baptisms can continue but again there are restrictions to Parents/Guardians and Godparents.
I am also in the process of setting up a system for Pastoral Calling. This will rely on you all letting me know of anyone who is ill or isolated and their phone numbers so that one of the staff team can call and offer prayers and support.
Please keep safe and in touch as together through thought and prayer we rise to the challenge of caring for and supporting each other.
-David