Church and Lockdown.... Important news!

From the Vicar, Churchwardens and PCC:

After careful consideration from the Vicar, Churchwardens and members of the PCC, we feel it would be wise to hold off church based services until 21st February due to the age profile and vulnerability of our congregation who would currently attend and also all of our clergy on the Ministry team, for personal reasons, are either shielding or are only able to work from home. Whilst some churches can remain open if safe, we can also apply to the Bishop of Durham for church based services to temporarily close in the height of the pandemic, this legal process is called dispensation. This dispensation has been granted by the Bishop.

We maintain that we have a responsibility for spiritual welfare, but that support is not confined to a building, as we can continue to support yourselves by an online and telephone presence.  Also, we are also planning for the church to be open for private prayer when the pre-school are in the Millenium centre.

What we can offer:  All of the ministry team at All Saints are willing to share the responsibility of the online Sunday services at 10.30am on Zoom, so that we maintain a variety of leadership, preaching styles and voices.  We agreed that this would be a non-Communion service.  A couple of our ministry team clergy are happy to create Youtube videos of just them in church praying the Eucharist at the altar - this won't be weekly but we will also aim for this style of sacramental presence.  We are also very much overjoyed that so many of you are willing to do readings and intercessions, so a big big thank you!!

Please know that alongside the Vicar and Churchwardens, the pastoral care team and prayer warriors - we are all accessible and very keen to keep in touch with you.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can help or support in any way.  The parish office will remain open for emails and phone calls but will be physically locked and the Vicar can be contacted on 07368 181141 or by email: vicar@allsaintsblackwell.org.uk

With love and prayers assured,

Revd. Jen Croft.  Vicar of All Saints' & Salutation, Blackwell