You may well have heard that churches and other places of worship have been permitted to hold acts of worship from 4 July.

Each of our churches in the Heart of Eden Benefice is considering how to do this safely, preparing risk assessments, so that when the churches open for services any attending will feel confident that their health is being taken seriously. Of course, other churches in the Eden Valley will have different patterns of opening.

We really do look forward to opening our doors again. But hygiene and health protection will be at the forefront in our planning. We are interested in the possibility that volunteers from each community might make this more possible - do let me know if you, or your organisation, would be willing to assist. Many people in our congregations are themselves vulnerable, so understandably cautious in doing what would normally be much more straightforward.

Where risk assessments are in place we can now hold funeral and wedding services, but numbers are restricted depending on the size/layout of the building. Guidance from the government is being reviewed and updated each month, so there may be further changes during July and August.

A few of our churches plan to open for short periods for individual prayer, and you can see details listed in the calendar section via the Services and Events tab in the adjacent column. Details of services, which may begin on 19th July, will appear via the same tab.

The Get In Touch section gives a phone number and email address offering advice on baptisms, funerals and weddings. You will also find other information from the churches and Benefice on these pages - they are updated each month. We'd welcome your enquiries about anything that is of concern to you.

Revd Clive Hicks

11 July 2020