Dear FriendsAs you may be aware, Covid restrictions have now been lifted in England - which means that distancing and face coverings are optional once again in our three ‘English’ churches.When restrictions were relaxed (briefly) last year, we agreed that we should wear masks when moving around the buildings, but that these could be removed (if desired) once folk were in their seats – both for joining in the liturgy and for singing.I think this is a sensible and cautious way to proceed, so we'll go with that for the moment in Kinsham, Lingen and Knill – keeping it all under review.In Wales, we still face the strange inconsistency of people being allowed to dispense with masks in pubs, restaurants and night clubs, whilst still having to wear them in church services, so we must continue to wear face coverings for the moment in Presteigne and Discoed.The Church of England now allows for members of congregations to receive the wine as well as the bread at Communion services - though, as this can only be by use of "the common cup" (ie everyone sharing the same chalice), there is a great deal of hesitancy about doing so while Omicron is still so prevalent. The decision on this rests with the Incumbent (ie. me!) and it is my strong feeling that we must, for the moment, stick with the present arrangements of only the officiating priest receiving the wine. It will be a great day when we can all share the chalice again, but this won't be for a little while yet.May I just remind you that the time-honoured teaching of the C of E is that reception of Holy Communion in one kind – either bread or wine – is equally as effective and beneficial as receiving it in both kinds.You can find find elsewhere on this page a Service for Use at Home and the Readings and Collect for this coming Sunday – the Fourth Sunday before Lent.The Service will take you up to Lent - at which point there will be a new one to match the Season.I hope this finds you safe and well.With every good wish and prayerStephen
Services in the Presteigne Group of Parishes on Sunday 6 February (4th before Lent) are as follows:8.00 Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer: traditional language) Presteigne9.30 Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer: traditional language) Lingen11.00 Morning Service (Common Worship: modern language) PresteignePlease continue to wear face-coverings if you can during our church services, and to observe a certain amount of social distancing. Our priority is to keep everyone safe in what are still uncertain times, and to ensure that as many people as possible feel comfortable attending our services in person.
We have just one service in the Presteigne Group of Parishes this Sunday, 30 January:11 am Holy Communion for Candlemas PresteigneEveryone is welcome to join us!If you feel unable to do so, you can find a downloadable service with readings and prayers for candlemas elsewhere on this page.Although Covid rules are being relaxed in England as of today, the Senedd hasn't changed the rules about masks and distancing for indoor events yet, so in our Welsh churches we are still asking everyone to wear face coverings (unless medically exempt) and to maintain social distancing inside the buildings.We will review our policy as regards our English churches, but it's likely that we will ask those attending worship to continue to wear masks when moving around the church, but make it optional when seated or standing, when saying the words of the service or singing the hymns.As many of us keep saying, we are going to have to reach a point where we learn to live with Covid and decide for ourselves what we think is an acceptable level of risk - but it's still important that we look out for each other and keep each other safe.
Services in the Presteigne Group of Parishes this Sunday 23 January (Epiphany 3) are as follows:9.30 Morning Prayer (Book of Common Prayer: traditional language) Kinsham11.00 Holy Communion (Common Worship: modern language) PresteigneEveryone is very welcome to attend either of these services, which are still subject to Covid-related restrictions (we ask you to wear a mask if you can throughout the service, to observe social distancing, sanitise your hands on entering and contribute to the collection plate, if you wish, as you arrive or leave as we no longer take up a collection during our services). If you are unable to join us in person you can find the Collect and Readings for the day elsewhere on this page, for use at home with the Short Service for Epiphany already provided.
