Life-long learning they used to call it, and it is surprising what things we have to get used to and learn, even in our more mature decades. Those of us who have latched onto ZOOM, for example, have had to learn quickly the significance of the tiny outline figure at the top of the page. If he (or is it a she? My eyesight’s not what it was) is wearing a red sash then you are “muted”. That means no one can hear you no matter how loudly you shout, and your hymn singing will always be a mime.But the master of ceremonies has the power to “unmute” you. I had never heard that word until this year. I think, actually, it should be “demute”, but there you go. You know you are “demuted” because the little man (or is it woman?) loses the pretty sash. If you get clever at this you can “unmute” yourself, but only in defined circumstances. This business could catch on, of course, and there are people with hearing aids who have used such strategies before, though without the sash.I want to say that I think we are too easily muted when it comes to speaking about our faith. I’m not suggesting that that we keep rushing up to people and asking if they are saved, nor am I wishing that we all sought to convert everyone we meet. Those approaches are counter-productive. But I do think we could be more articulate in letting people we meet know that we say our prayers, or that we try to respond to the teachings of Jesus, or go to church. For many, “God” and “Christ” are simply swear words, and the real faith is rarely articulated even in sensitive ways. I remember going years ago to take a service in a Northumberland country church and finding that one of the pillars of the congregation was someone I had worked with for four years. My faith was advertised by my dog collar; she had never indicated any Christian affiliation at all.You will remember the story from the Acts of Apostles of how Philip met an Ethiopian official on the road who was reading the Bible as he was carried along. When asked if he understood, he replied, “How can I understand unless someone explains it to me?” (Acts 8:31) If faith is rarely mentioned in a constructive, positive way, then it will not be understood. We need to throw away our sashes and speak out more.God BlessPeter WolfendenP.S. I continue to learn…! Apparently it is not a little man on my screen, nor yet a little woman, but in fact a little microphone! I hope the point remains valid. Not a word.
What should I do before coming?You will need to book your place using the TryBooking link provided each week in the newsletter and on our website. Alternatively you can ring the parish office to reserve a place. We have to keep your details for 21 days for the NHS Track and Trace system.What will it be like when I arrive?Sanitiser will be available at the door. Please use it when you enter the church and again when you leave. You will need to wear a facemask during the service.A member of the welcome team will greet you at the door and check your name on the attendance sheet. You will be shown to a seat which allows for 2 metres social distancing. If you come as a household or bubble you can sit together. Children should stay with their parents/carers. Some pews are cordoned off. A service sheet will be on the seat. This is safe for you to use as it has been quarantined and not used by anyone else for more than 72 hours.What will the service be like?We will use our regular liturgy but there will be no singing or procession. We cannot shake hands during the peace, but we can still wave and smile!Anyone reading, preaching or saying prayers during the service will take their masks off, but the lectern has been moved back so that it is further away.The collection plate will not be passed around and instead there will be a basket for you to drop your offerings into as you leave.It might feel a bit breezy in church as we will leave the main doors open and the flower vestry fire escape door to allow air to circulate.We ask you not to use the kneelers to reduce our need for cleaning.How about Holy Communion?The sacristan has washed/sanitised their hands before setting up for the Eucharist. The priest will be taking extra precautions when handling the elements – using hand sanitiser and keeping the wafers covered throughout the prayer. You will receive just the Communion bread. The priest will put on a mask for distribution, and will drop the wafer into your hand without saying any words. You can briefly take your masks off or adjust them so that you can consume the consecrated bread.The welcomer will steward people up one pew at a time. People return to their pew before the next pew goes forward. This might take a bit longer than usual, but that will give us all more time for prayer!What happens at the end?The welcomer will guide you out, one pew at a time. Please leave your service sheet on your seat. Avoid gathering in the porch. You can sanitise your hands outside the church. We’re sorry but we cannot offer any refreshments at the moment.Anything else?The toilet in the church will be open for the service, but please ensure you wash your hands well.Those at extra risk and the ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ are advised about the risks of attending public worship, but the decision to do so is theirs alone.Thank you for taking the time to read this. We want the service to be as safe as possible for everyone, and a spirit-filled and life-giving experience.
