Coming to Church
Coming to Church
The Church of England is following national guidance, taking a proportionate and precautionary approach with basic common sense public health principles. In the light of recent advice from the Government, please note that: Anyone with a new, continuous cough and/or high temperature is now advised to self-isolate for seven days. Do not under any circumstances attend church services or gatherings if you have a new, continuous cough and/or high temperature. Your health and welfare is our primary concern. If your immune system is compromised or you belong to one of the 'at risk' groups, you may want to consider following the service via the livestream on Facebook. To access this link you do not need a Facebook account.
During the current Public Health emergency we will continue to be open and to offer worship and prayer. It is important to continue our community life as best we can, in as safe and secure a way as possible.To do this, the University Church will follow Government and Church of England advice, which is checked daily and which you can find here. In addition:
- We will clean public surfaces on a daily basis.
- Ministers will wash and sanitise their hands before administering Communion.
- We will not pass the collection plate. Those who give by cash or envelope should place their offering in the plate at the end of the service or alternatively they may make their offering online.
- At Holy Communion we will administer the bread only, and not the chalice.
- We will exchange the Peace without physical contact.
- Clergy will not lay hands when giving a Blessing.
- We will suspend refreshments following the service on Sunday mornings.
- We will suspend Sunday afternoon services until further notice and we will review church events each week and cancel any which are unsafe.
- We will communicate clearly about changes to the diary.
- Please contact people you know who are isolated, and offer care and support in a safe way.
- Please come to church having washed hands thoroughly or washing your hands with your hand sanitiser on arrival.
- Please report if soap and paper towels have run out in church.
- Please do not come to church if you have symptoms which require self isolation, and please follow all appropriate health and hygiene guidelines.
- Please notify the office, email admin@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk or call 01865 279114, if you are self isolating so that support and prayer can be offered.
- If a visit by clergy or pastoral ministers has been organised, and you have symptoms, please notify them.
These are challenging times, but it will be important for all of us to care for and support each other in the weeks and months ahead. Please be assured of our prayers for you and for all those in your care.
The Revd Dr William Lamb
Vicar