Back to In-Church Worship Information

Dear Parishioners,

 

We are very much looking forward to gathering together in church for worship beginning on Sunday 5th July 2020 with an 8.30 United Service in St Thomas’ Church Mount Merrion and a 10.30 United Service in St Philip and St James’ Church Booterstown

 

Both Select Vestries have been working over the past number of weeks so that we can return to in-church worship safely and in accordance with the protocols and guidelines issued by the government, the HSE and the Church of Ireland.  Please read this carefully as we need everyone to ‘do their bit’ to protect all who will gather in church. 

 

Return to In-Church Information

 

  • If you wish to attend the 8.30 service in St Thomas’ Church, please indicate to the Rector by email or voice message by 12.00 midday on Saturday
  • Please bring a piece of paper with your name, address and contact number on it when you come to church and drop it into the box provided at the door. This will only be used for contact tracing to ensure your safety if we have an outbreak of the virus.
  • Please use hand sanitiser outside the door before you enter and as you leave.
  • Please enter by west door (main) of both churches. Those who need to enter via the ramp in St Philip and St James’ Church, please make your way to the south door.
  • We recommend the wearing of face coverings, and would request that you bring your own tissues, wipes, face covering, etc. and take them away with you at the end of the service.
  • Please follow the instructions and guidance of the churchwardens/stewards.
  • Please observe social distancing.
  • Please only seat in a designated seat as directed by a churchwarden/steward.
  • Please bring crayons, books, etc for your children as we cannot provide children’s goodie bags at this time.
  • Please keep your children with you in your designated sitting area at all times during the service.
  • If you, or a member of your family has been recently been unwell, has been symptomatic or is awaiting COVID-19 test results, or you have been in contact with anyone who has had COVID-19, please stay at home for the safety of other and to reduce the spread of the virus.
  • If you have been considered to be in a vulnerable category, please follow the advice of your GP about attending church
  • Please do not leave behind any tissues, gloves, wipes, face coverings, service sheets, etc.
  • Please be aware that if we have reached capacity, you may not be able to enter the church.
  • Note that we are unable to provide access to the toilet facilities due to the COVID-19 restrictions

 

Thanks to the voluntary efforts of some parishioners who have expertise in the field, St Philip and St James’ Church is installing a webcam and the church service from there will be available on the parishes’ website.

 

This is different and not what we are used to in our worship, but please bear with us as we all strive to do our best to find ways of being together and being community in these strange and unknown circumstances.

 

Stay well and stay safe.

 

Gillian