The Beaminster Area Team
From the Hub update 17th June 2021
And so we enter into an extension of the Covid-19 restrictions, very little has so far changed regarding what we can do that will be
different to the past few months. The one major change is that the numbers that are allowed to attend wedding services can now increase similarly to funeral services. This will allow as many as the individual church building can hold within the one metre safe distancing guidelines. The wedding due for next Saturday has become a casualty for the third time but working with the couple and Axe Knoller Farm wedding venue we have been able to find a September date that hopefully will be fourth time lucky.
One area going forward where I would welcome your thoughts and comments is on the issue of singing. Whilst there is still a ban on indoor congregational singing and a guideline of no more than four choir voices, I presume from July 19th this could well be lifted. This area of guidelines has caused more consternation and frustration than anything else. I have had plenty of conversations across the team both from church members and non church members especially at funeral services.
In general there are two polarised views. From the singing lobby just get on with it we have been cautious for long enough. From the safety conscious lobby, a gradual reintroduction is required. I know that there are significant numbers who feel afraid and would rather a longer delay in returning to singing is applied. In four weeks I will have the responsibility to make a decision please share your thoughts with me. Singing? Masks? Choirs? It won’t be an easy decision.
A reminder that on the feast of St Peter – Tuesday 29th June – I will be celebrating my 25th anniversary of ordination to the Priesthood. I would be delighted if you could come and join me in thanking God for his love and grace in calling me to this office. Come along for a celebration of Holy Communion at 7pm in St Mary’s Beaminster. The Very Revd David Shearlock will be preaching and I hope we will be joined by friends from around the Deanery.
Online Worship at Home video services continue even though churches are open. The online community continues to be an important part of our church. As usual each Sunday’s video service will be available on the day before. There are weekly videos for children and schools. We hope you continue to enjoy our weekly Rev Chat podcast. And places are available for Monday’s baby and toddler group.
David
2021-06-18-Pew-News2021-06-18-Weekly-Sheet
Pew News – Sunday 4th June 2023
Worship at Home – Trinity Sunday 4th June 2023
Rev Chat Episode 176 – “Trinity Trouble”
