News and notices from across the benefice
Update
CHURCH BUILDINGS ARE NOW OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYER
Following the change in government rules and guidance from the Diocese:
St Stephen’s Upper Basildon is open Sundays and Wednesdays from 10am - 6pm;
St Clements Ashampstead is open daily from dawn to dusk;
St Mary’s Aldworth is also open daily.
Please remember to observe social distancing, use hand gel provided and follow signage in each building.
Dear Friends
Most of you will know that very sadly we have had to suspend our usual pattern of Sunday services and other midweek meetings under instruction from the Archbishops who are responding to the Government’s introduction of additional measures to help prevent the further spread of the corona virus.
We are looking at ways in which we might do some live streaming of services and producing and providing resources for prayer and worship at home. We have been asked in particular by our Archbishops to pray for our Government and nation, for each other, and especially for those who work in our health and emergency services.
We are fully committed to providing practical and pastoral care so please do contact us if you would like to talk. It is wonderful how everyone in our local community has risen to the great challenge we face and networks have been established right across the community to support neighbours who may need help and support or who are lonely.
With our prayers and blessings to you all at this difficult time.
Revd Katy Weston (07765 255569) Rosemary and Jonathan Sandbach LLMs (01491 672494) Mike Penny (01491 671357)
THE UNITED BENEFICE OF
BASILDON, ALDWORTH & ASHAMPSTEAD
Coronavirus COVID-19
In the light of the current Coronavirus pandemic, we want to keep all of you updated on what we are doing to protect everyone in the Benefice.
We have produced a Continuity/Contingency Plan and this will be held in the Church vestries. The Reverend Heather Parbury, our Area Dean has key responsibility during the continuing interregnum with the Churchwardens for ensuring that all necessary steps are taken. Please contact her on 0118 9842928 or rector.ptschurches@gmail.com. Her nominated deputy is the Revd Katy Weston (07765 255569 westonkaty@hotmail.com).
We want to reassure you all that we have put a protocol in place to ensure that all church services and activities as well as pastoral care continue as long as government guidelines allow.
We have taken some immediate steps and, under instruction from the Church of England, we have suspended the administration of the chalice during Holy Communion as well as physical contact during the sharing of the peace, blessing or “laying on of hands”. We will not ‘pass the plate’ for collections and activities and services will not have any catering for the present. Please donate your collection as you come into church or directly through the bank. Thank you for your understanding at this trying time.
We will be issuing regular communications through our email lists, social media and magazines and parish websites. We would ask you to take a look at the NHS’s latest advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.
If you are not feeling well, have a cough or fever, please do not attend church but let us know immediately so we can pray for you and provide any assistance necessary. Please also do not attend if you have recently returned from a high risk country or have been in contact with someone you believe has the virus. Please also have a duty of care for your neighbour: if there is anyone for whom you are concerned, please let us know.
If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We do hope that all of you continue to stay well during this difficult period and that we can all return to normality as soon as possible.
CHURCHWARDENS
Basildon: Jo Eley and Nick Schlee, Aldworth: Maurice Allen & Lily Rennie
Ashampstead: Caroline Butler & Sally Hardaker
MINISTRY TEAM
Revd Katy Weston, Dr Jonathan Sandbach, Mrs Rosemary Sandbach, Mr Michael Penny
