Now that things are becoming more normal we are leaving it to the individual's discretion as to whether they wear masks etc. Antibacterial gel is still available around the church and is used by the vicar during the distribution of communion.Our plan is to return to using the common cup from 14th April, Maundy Thursday. You may partake if you wish or, if you prefer not to, please return to your seat directly after receiving bread.
For many years people have been asking for the chance of an extra 1/2 hour lie in on a Sunday morning. We have listened and have taken the decision to move our 9.30 Sung Communion Service to 10 o'clock, still with coffee and chat in the Hall afterwards.Also on Sunday mornings there will be a said Holy Eucharist service at 8.00am using the Book of Common Prayer.Thursday services will resume on 2nd September with a slightly changed afternoon service - there will be tea and chat in the church from 2.30pm and this will be followed at 3.30 with a short, said Holy Eucharist service. Anyone is free to come to either or both.On all other Thursdays there will be a said Holy Eucharist service at 10.00am followed by coffee/tea and biscuits.
While the easing of restrictions means that some safety measures will no longer be a legal requirement, we know a lot of people remain cautious. In line with Church of England advice to act carefully, we feel it’s important to continue with certain measures to be on the safe side so this is what we propose to do for the foreseeable future: From this Sunday (25th July 2021) we are returning to a Sung Eucharist, including hymns. The wearing of masks will be a matter of personal choice but we suggest that you continue to do so, especially during the prolonged singing of parts of the service (ie hymns, Gloria etc). We will also return to using the altar rails for reception of communion but we won't be returning to receiving in both kinds immediately. This will be reconsidered in a month’s time and see where the infection rates are at that point. If we feel comfortable to do so we can re-introduce it in September when we will give people the choice to receive the communal cup if they wish but dipping will be discouraged. Now is probably not the right time to return to physical touching so we will continue with sharing the Peace as we have been doing for the time being and collections will still be on entry or exit.
The Rev’d Sam Frampton, currently the Assistant Curate of the Parish of Mill End and Heronsgate with West Hyde, has been appointed Vicar St Matthew’s Oxhey in the Deanery of Watford. Sam will be licensed in St Matthew’s Oxhey on 7<sup>th</sup> July 2021. Please remember Sam, and his wife, Emily and their son, Arthur in your prayers as they prepare for their move.A Message from Fr Sam:It's been a privilege serving my curacy in the Parish of Mill End and Heronsgate with West Hyde and Emily, Arthur and I will be sad to leave. We are however overjoyed to be taking on this phase of our lives and are very much looking forward to joining the people of Oxhey and especially the people of St Matthew's.</span>Please do keep us in your prayers as we prepare to move in June. Our last Sunday in Mill End, Heronsgate and West Hyde will be the 6th of June and I will be licensed to St Matthew's on the 7th of July.
