Newsletter October 2020
Dear Friends
We hope this finds you all well. This newsletter is to let you about changes at St. Mary’s since the ending of lockdown in the summer.
Services in the church building: please book in advance by phone or email as numbers are strictly limited (contact details at the end).
We have all welcomed the opportunity to return to using the church for Sunday services at 10.00 a.m. and enjoyed the music from our organist, Peter, and singing from our choir leader, Emily. After much experimentation and a steep learning curve we have been able to link people using zoom at home to the service as it happens in church. The zoom experience has been new to most of us and has proved to be a great way to connect with people, often from far-flung places, the furthest during lockdown being New Zealand!
Pastoral Care
A small team has come together to provide care and support as needed. If you or someone you know, would appreciate some support or help please contact Robin or Cathy in the first instance.
Coming up…………
New services
Wednesday 10am service in church: please book in advance by phone or email as places are strictly limited (contact details at the end). This is led by Rev Chris Duncan.
Thursday 8.00 p.m. Compline: A quiet service of peace and calm at the end of the day. Zoom only.
Online services Email invitations are sent out for online services usually the day before. For an invitation contact Robin. These services can also be joined by telephone.
New church website:
We are developing a new church website which we hope you will find it easier to navigate. It is a work in progress but please have a look and let us know what you think.
Our new site allows for donations & regular giving to be paid directly to the church through: St Mary's online donations. If you have any difficulty using the online giving contact our treasurer, Tim Kidd by emailing
treasurer@stmaryschartham.org
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CLICK HERE
Prayer meeting: on Monday mornings 9.00 a.m. -10.00 a.m. It is a wonderful opportunity to gather in the church building to pray together and everybody is welcome.
Church is open for prayer every Wednesday 11.00a.m. - 4.00 p.m. This allows access for personal prayer and reflection in the quiet of the church building. If you would like to spend time catching up and chatting please do this outside.
Regular prayer list
If you, or somebody you know, would like to be included on our regular prayer list, please email or telephone Robin.
Zoom group for younger people:
On Sundays, the young people in our church can have their own group with Gemson using the Zoom platform, similar to the Youth Group which has been taking place via Zoom, that we have become so familiar with. Let us know if you want to join or know someone who would like to.
To avoid placing ourselves and others at risk in church, we must follow the current guidance strictly.
• Record your name and phone number on a slip of paper by the entrance and place in the box provided.
• Use the hand sanitiser when you arrive and when you leave.
• Keep chairs spaced for social distancing. Only family groups should sit together.
• Follow the one way system and leave by the West Door unless your mobility is limited.
• Understand that no singing is permitted, and communion will involve sharing the bread only.
• Leave the church after the service and socialise outside while maintaining social distancing.
• Pre-book for services - contact details below.
• Wear a mask in church and bring your own water, if you expect you will need a drink.
Please don't hesitate to be in touch with either of us if you have any questions.
Keep safe & God bless you all
Cathy & Robin
Churchwardens
Robin Slowe Tel 01227 732431 Cathy Arnold Tel: 01227 731960
Cathy Arnold, 02/10/2020