Churches not going on about you know what

[LunaHeather]

I realise people might not want to answer but worth a try.

The church I used to attend is now All About Covid. It's actually closed at the mo.

I am aware of a couple of other local churches which are running services and I have noticed that their websites have minimal information about Covid.

Is it currently law to wear a mask in church? Am I likely to upset anyone by the fact I have to wear a lanyard? I can sit at the back. I am guessing no loos are in use and no talking is allowed?

Are they likely to spend an hour going on about Covid?

One reason I'm asking here is that I have noticed a couple of posters referring to churches going on much as usual in their area.

I am also keen to hear if anyone is attending a church that doesn't talk about Covid. I've listened to my usual vicar on Zoom and he talks about it every week. I want an uplifting service and not a sense of groundhog day. I don't know if some types of church are better for that than others.

Thank you.

We mention Covid or the pandemic every week - standard C of E

But that's not a surprise as the average church going age is in the death group - we've lost a dozen members across our group

Plus last week we prayed for Brazil as the numbers were horrific

Totally fine in our church not to wear a mask - a couple of us can't.

I don't believe any church is not following Covid procedures - that's all just media bollocks

In our church we take temperature on entry - then you sanitise your hands, we have a one way system, every persons name is recorded in the book for track and trace, we sit about 4 metres apart (loads of room). We don't sing at the moment. And communion is bread only (which you take yourself, one way system - minister blesses from afar). All books/bibles are left in seats so they are Covid free the following week.

So we mention maybe twice the pandemic or Covid - or loss/bereavement

But the main body of the service is preached to the lectionary which changes alternate years - I think we're in year B, 3 weeks after Easter this weekend. And the sermon this week is On the road to Emmaus.

Sorry, when I said much as usual, i meant the service, i do know I'll have to sing in and sanitise which is no problem.

I also don't want a bunch of horrified people staring at my maskless face, and I'll be a stranger who presumably isn't allowed to chat.

*sign in not sing in 😂

I really hope no one stares at you all horrified. When you go in at the beginning stand back and tell whoever greets you - it might be the steward or it might be someone just doing the signing in.

The good news is that every person in our church has been vaccinated so there's a lot less fear around. Depending on where you go there aren't many with loads of under 50's...

I hope you enjoy it

My church is operating live services which are definitely not all about Covid. People are talking quietly to each other before and after the service, but hanging around afterwards to mingle and socialise isn't allowed. There is some music (led from the front) and a great deal of pleasure in being able to gather for worship in a more limited but relatively normal way. There might be reference to covid in the prayers, but only in the same way that we always pray for people that are sick or in need. The service itself is about all the usual things you would expect between Easter and Pentecost.

Face coverings are law but there are exemptions. I guess it might be prudent to contact the church you are intending to visit and explain in advance that you are exempt, if that is the case. It might help avoid any issues that make you or them uncomfortable when you arrive. You will potentially also have to book in any case (we do, as capacity is limited to maintain social distancing).

Hope you find somewhere uplifting

You have to book at some of our Church services so it may be worth checking beforehand. Personally I would also mention that you are exempt from wearing a mask before you go so there isn't 'panic' on the day!

The services usually mention Covid but otherwise they are pretty much as they were before, with the exception of no singing, no chatting in the Church and sitting where you are shown.

PS toilets can be open. Ours are. But I'd check in advance to make sure.

Beautiful and uplifting.

Fewer services per week than before.

Loo open.

Strict cleaning. Social distance ( pre-booking and stewards to ensure this). Masks worn. Sanitiser available at many points.

Talking was never usual.

Covid mentioned but not the main subject.

I'd recommend getting in touch with a church before visiting and asking them to talk you through what happens on arrival and during the service, if that would be helpful. Our church is still meeting online only but when it was opening in the autumn our pastor made a video walking through the different changes so everyone knew what to expect.

Did you know that a lot of churches started zoom services last year. They were so widely watched and successful in increasing accessibility that many churches are continuing even now their congregations are returning.

So you could try watching services at your local churches to make up your mind about one whose approach might suit you.

We still have zoom services as the restrictions on numbers mean we can't fit everyone in the church building.

There are a few people who do not wear masks and it is not a problem. When you arrive at the church you are greeted by a steward who you could tell you are exempt from wearing a mask. I've been a steward and have not asked anyone for any more information - I don't feel it is my job to ask about confidential details. If someone tells me they are exempt I will take that at face value and don't expect them to wear a lanyard or sit at the back.

Toilets are open.

Covid is not mentioned every week. We have been lucky in our area and there have been few covid deaths.

Lots of talking before the service, mostly at a two meter distance. Everyone is encouraged to leave quickly after the service and not talk outside but some people do chat on the pavement. No singing allowed in church.

It is a great time to try out new churches. I'd maybe try a service at a couple of different ones if you aren't happy where you are, especially since you can do so remotely over zoom.

We are open and some are not wearing face masks. Covid gets mentioned in the prayers. It turns up in the sermon sometimes because we are reflecting on scripture in the light of our pandemic experience but that isn't every week. I think that we struggle with uplifting as there is no singing but my congregation are really appreciating meeting together and we have learnt how important the building is for us. There is an element of lamenting what we have lost and working out what we do next.

My sense is that different people need different things and thankfully there are enough churches doing online still that you can shop around to find something that feeds you. One friend has been going to a church in Chicago virtually for months as her local one is shut.

The last church service I went to (c of e) the preacher was telling us to all to make sure we go every week and bring our friends like there was no pandemic, social distancing or limited numbers allowed to attend. It was totally tone deaf to what was going on.

I know it's horses for courses when it comes to church services but surely we should at least be praying for those affected by covid?

We've been open most of the time. Loos also open! I think if you dont wear a mask just say at the start and they will still let you in. You could ring/ email in advance. That way you can find out more about booking in or any changes to the normal running of mass.

We still pray every week for those affected by covid but the homily doesn't go on and on about it.

I find lack of singing makes it a bit quiet and downbeat but it is then shorter.

Maybe wait a few more weeks until more people have been vaccinated? Won't be long until most the congregation will have been.

I'd say it's a good time to watch online services and see which churches you vibe with, then try them in person in a few weeks time.