COVID-19 The Church continues to be alive and active, but our buildings must close. We are seeing a huge increase in the number of people falling sick with COVID-19. We must distance ourselves from one another and prevent the spread of infection in order to save lives. Therefore, as well as public worship being suspended, this and all church buildings in the Church of England are now closed. Our worship of God and our care for each other continue but cannot be done in this building. Our website contains details of how to join others online for prayer, worship, study, and community life. See: stmichaels.westworcesterchurches.org.uk/ The clergy of this church, Phil Bradford and Sarah Cottrill, can be contacted in an emergency as follows. Phil – 01905 423794 (Phil) Sarah – 01905 426257“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength . . . Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” To protect the vulnerable amongst us, please do not leave your home except for essential trips.
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have today advised that public worship is suspended with immediate effect until further notice. All services across the West Worcester Group are therefore cancelled until this advice changes. We will endeavour to keep St John’s Church open during the day as a place for people to pray during these difficult times. We will also be looking to find ways to help our local community in whatever ways we can. Please do not hesitate to contact the clergy in any case of pastoral or other need.(17 March 2020)
The archbishops have issued new advice on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. As a result, we are making changes to our advice. The following applies with immediate effect until further notice.The use of the common chalice at Communion is suspended. The priest alone will consume the consecrated wine. All others will receive in one kind only, that is will take only the bread.At services of Morning Prayer on Sundays, along with all other non-Eucharistic services, the Peace is suspended completely and will not be included in the service. It serves no liturgical purpose in these services and can therefore legitimately be removed.The Peace does serve an important liturgical function in the Eucharist and will continue to be included in the service. However, we ask that you stay in your place and simply acknowledge those immediately around you in a way not involving physical contact. (Clearly we do not wish to dictate to partners and family members, who may continue to share the peace amongst themselves in whatever fashion they desire.)Please continue to pay attention to government advice on good hygiene and self-isolation as necessary. Above all, please avoid hysteria and panic and respond sensibly in line with the advice of experts.Phil and Sarah11 March 2020
