Tag: lockdown

Following the science – but which science?

From the start of Coronavirus the Government have repeated the mantra that in all their actions, they have been “following the science.”  However, the idea that there is this thing called “The Science” is rather misleading. It misses two points. The first is that there are various fields of science. This of course includes the… Continue reading Following the science – but which science?

Could come to church … should come to church – thoughts on leaving lockdown

UK churches are beginning to leave lockdown. We have finally been granted permission to re-open our buildings for public worship. Now, at this stage, we are going to face some collective challenges together.  In many respects, it won’t be easy for us. I am reminded of the incident in Ezra where the rebuilt temple is… Continue reading Could come to church … should come to church – thoughts on leaving lockdown

Return to the church building -some ideas for the future

Yesterday, I shared an update on our plans to re-open the Chapel building for public worship. We are starting very cautiously and are determined to be meticulous in following the guidelines. There are also some things that the guidelines currently provide for but we have current held back from doing because we want to approach… Continue reading Return to the church building -some ideas for the future

Why we are going back to the building

From the 4th of July, we will be allowed to re-open the Chapel for worship services and prayer.  As things stand, it looks like we will be fairly constrained in what we do. Current guidelines suggest that singing will not be possible and we will have to observe strict social distancing.  We will not be… Continue reading Why we are going back to the building

Re-opening Bearwood Chapel for public worship

We now have permission from the Government to re-open our building for public worship.  So, we are really encouraged to be opening this Sunday, 5th July.  I want to take the opportunity here to explain what we are doing. Ina follow up article I will explain why we are taking this approach. I also hope… Continue reading Re-opening Bearwood Chapel for public worship

Returning to church buildings – what does the Government guidance say?

From the 4th July, church buildings will be able to re-open for public worship. It is our intention   at Bearwood Chapel to re-open in some format as soon as possible. We will also continue to use social media to provide online connections and services over the coming weeks and months. In two further articles this… Continue reading Returning to church buildings – what does the Government guidance say?

Lessons in lockdown 4: It is easier to get into something than to get out

The Sunday before we had to shut down the chapel started to kick in was reasonably normal at the Chapel.  People had been advised to stay away if they had symptoms, so a few people were missing and additionally, some of our older members were already self-isolating. We were also requiring hand washing, had switched… Continue reading Lessons in lockdown 4: It is easier to get into something than to get out

When is a church not a church?

As we return from lockdown, there are still some significant restrictions expected about how we will be able to go about meeting together. The one that has provoked the most reaction has been the likely ban on singing and yet, maybe more importantly (and still with minimal discussion) we can expect restrictions on baptism and… Continue reading When is a church not a church?

Lessons in lockdown 2: Busyness and effective, hard work are not the same

I will put my hand up and say that I am one of those people who found a lot of lockdown beneficial. I’m not saying that I wanted to be in lockdown or that I would repeat it. Nor am I denying that it was simply awful with no redeeming features for many. However, following… Continue reading Lessons in lockdown 2: Busyness and effective, hard work are not the same