As you are probably aware, we are no longer able to hold public services in our churches. This does not mean we are closing, but simply that we have to do things differently for a while. As a result, all Sunday or midweek services are cancelled.Funerals and weddings are currently still permitted, but because of the rules on social distancing and mass gatherings, we will have to limit the number of people who can attend to close family, and there may be further changes to come.One way in which we can feel part of a community at this time is for us all to set aside certain times during the day when those who wish to can stop and think or pray, knowing others will be doing so as well. So I have the following suggestions:I will be holding a communion service every Sunday at 10.30. Maybe you could choose to join us from your own home. If I can, I will provide materials for you to join in, and we might even manage to set up a live video. But otherwise the readings are available online via http://churchofengland.org.Every day at 12 noon I will be pausing for a couple of minutes to pray for those who are sick, those who have already lost someone, and those caring for them. Do join me if you wish.Rest assured that I will be praying for all of you at this time.With blessingsMatt
Following the new advice from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, we have suspended the administration of the chalice as well as physical contact during the sharing of the peace, blessing or "laying on of hands".Further information is available on the Church of England website at https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches.
St Andrew's Church takes its responsibilities surrounding the safeguarding of children, young people, and adults who may be at risk very seriously, and works in partnership with the Diocese of Salisbury to ensure that we work in accordance with best practice at all times.Our Parish Safeguarding Policy can be downloaded by clicking on the link to the right of this article labelled "safeguarding.pdf".If you have any Safeguarding questions or concerns you can contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Lorraine Mackie on 01380 850789 (a new mobile phone is being sourced and this number will be updated when we have it) email safeguarding@oldburybenefice.org.uk.Alternatively you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, on 07500 664800 or email heather.bland@salisbury.anglican.org