What to expect when you come to church

We have been given a green light to re-open our building for prayer and worship within the constraints set out by the comprehensive guidelines put together by the Scottish Government and the Church of Scotland.

You will find things different but we hope you will feel safe and enjoy meeting with God together. Whatever happens, we are still ‘a family called by God’s grace and for His glory’.  We will continue to explore new ways of worshipping together and the Sunday morning service will continue online in the usual way.

Prepare before you go

  • Register in advance via Eventbrite (a maximum of 50 people can be in our building)
    • ‘Tickets’ will be free and there will be a limited number ‘on sale’. Once sold out, you may join a waiting list and will have priority for the following week.
    • Everyone counts (even babies!) so please buy the appropriate number of tickets for your household/bubble – e.g. 3 if you will be attending with your 2 children.
  • If you don’t have online access or are trying to help someone else in that position, please email minister@particktrinity.org.uk
  • If you do not register, then sadly, you may be turned away at the door.

Please bring:

  • Your face covering
  • Something warm (the door will be left open at all times for ventilation)
  • Your own bible
  • Some toys /books to entertain your children but can’t be shared with others
  • Feel free to bring your own tea/coffee/water to consume during the service

When you arrive

  • Be ready to queue with 2m distancing to get into the building
  • A steward will direct you to sanitise your hands with alcohol gel when you come in the door
  • A steward will guide you to an appropriate seat – it’s unlikely to be in your usual spot, we will fill from the front to the back
  • Please be willing to be flexible, seating will be laid out in advance at 2m apart – you will need to sit alone or in seats matching the size of your group – please don’t move chairs.
  • There will be an area for small children near the back – a steward will direct you
  • Creche and BLAST will not be running for the time being but we are working hard to make this possible

The service

  • Singing will not be possible due to the restrictions
  • We will be led in prayer and listen to reading, music and teaching
  • There will be no church bibles, notice sheets or other printed material and the screen will be used extensively
  • It may look and feel unlike any previous church service but our purpose in meeting together is exactly the same as before
  • The pattern and format will likely change from week to week as we learn from trial and error

When you leave

  • Be prepared to queue again keeping 2m apart as you move through the building
  • It might not be possible to hang around and chat too much, in order that physical distancing can be maintained as everyone leaves
  • Stewards may direct you to keep moving out and use the hand sanitiser again

Each week we will share feedback so we can learn from our experiences and this guidance will likely evolve and change. Please check that you are up to date with the latest version.

There is also information available to help you understand the risks associated with COVID-19, and how this is influenced by a range of factors including age and underlying health conditions.  For some, it will be wise to continue worshipping from home.  This Assessment ‘Tool’ for individual and group health risks might be helpful.

If you have questions or concerns please contact Tim Sinclair, our minister: tsinclair@churchofscotland.org.uk