1st December 2020

Dear friends,

It has been an extraordinary year, and I know that the last few weeks have been particularly difficult for many of us. But I am delighted to be able to write to you now about our Christmas Services at St. Andrew’s.

Following the Government announcement on Friday that we can reopen our building for worship, we will be having the following in person services over the next few weeks;

• Sunday 6th December – In Person Service
• Sunday 13th December – Communion
• Sunday 20th December – Carol Service at 4pm
• Friday 25th December – Christmas Day Celebration
• Sunday 27th December – Church at Home (online service)
• Sunday 3rd January – Communion

These services will take place under similar guidelines to our services in July and August, and the full details are outlined below. These services are normally well attended, so preregistration is essential. Knowing in advance who is planing on coming means we can best organise the seating and ensure we fit the maximum number of people in safely. You can register on our website standrewschurchblackrock.ie/registration/

This Christmas will be very different, but I pray it will cause us to know, even deeper, the hope and joy found in the good news of the birth Jesus.

Season’s Blessings,
Rev. Andrew Gill

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

Staying Safe at Church (updated December 2020)

Before you come to Church

• While we feel it is import to have the church open for worship while we can, it is up to each individual and family to decide if they will attend. Many are still feeling nervous about leaving home, or need to be extra cautious for various reasons, so we don’t want to put pressure on anyone to come out.
• If you are displaying any of the COVID-19 symptoms (a fever, a cough, breathing difficulties, a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste), or have been in close contact with anyone displaying such symptoms, then it is important to stay at home and contact your doctor.
• For those who need to stay at home for whatever reason, our ‘Church at Home’ material will still be provided on our website www.standrewschurchblackrock.ie. If you have been receiving transcripts by post then these will continue to be mailed out, and just let me know at any stage if you want them to stop.

Entering the Building

• Our in-person services will be similar to what we had during July and August.
• You will be greeted with a smile (still no handshakes or hugs for now).
• There will be a one way system in place
• Please wash your hands with the hand sanitiser provided in the vestibule.
• Face coverings to be worn at all times inside, and in crowded areas outside
• Please go straight to your seat, and remain there until the end of the service
• Strict social distancing will be in place so it is important to only sit in the marked pews and spaces.
• Over the Christmas period it is essential that we know in advance who is planning on attending services You can register via our website standrewschurchblackrock.ie/registration/

During the Service

• Please bring your own bible if you have one.
• Disappointingly we are currently not permitted to sing in our services
• There will be no Sunday school or creche
• We need to keep the building well-ventilated
• There will be one toilet open for emergency

Giving

• There will be a plate by the door on the way out where you can leave your Free Will Offering.
• Alternatively you could give by setting up a temporary or permanent Standing Order, or make a one off Bank Transfer.

All these measures will be reviewed regularly and restrictions will be eased as soon as it is appropriate to do so.