We have considered how the Government wants "Nativities" to continue rather than be cancelled, and we are applying that to our services. We have considered how cinemas and theatres are being treated, and we believe we are a similar 'seated venue'. Church of England guidance , but in the meantime we intend that our current measures for being careful about the virus should remain in place, with the following immediate extensions:

(1) Masks: we will encourage the wearing of masks at all times in our churches and throughout our services (not just when singing), with the exception of when refreshments are being served. We ask people to be thoughtful of how they mingle during refreshments.

(2) As a response to "work from home where possible" we will encourage as many of our 'business' meetings to be conducted by Zoom rather than in person. We recognise that this might not be possible for every meeting, but we would strongly urge people to find ways around the challenges. For instance, there is no formal lockdown at this stage, and so those who are less confident with technology could share a screen with someone who is able to 'zoom in'.

We trust that these measures will enable people to choose how they get involved with the Christmas services that are coming up, being able to keep themselves and others safe, whilst also aiming to adapt how we 'live with the virus'.

Please keep your eyes on the newsletter and other announcements as we finalise plans for livestreaming to Facebook (Kidderminster East page) the Carol Service from St Cecilia's on 19.12 and the late night service from St George's on 24.12. And let's keep on praying that our ministry to our families and friends, neighbours and parishioners over this season will help them to experience exactly how "our hopes and fears" are met in Jesus, God-with-us, our Saviour.

Yours in Christ,
Revd David Hildred