Dear church family,

As you know, this week has marked the lifting of most of the remaining COVID restrictions. The Church of England has released its guidance, which takes into consideration the current rate of infections in the country – and the fact that many people are still not double vaccinated, and some are not in a position to be so due to other health considerations. The guidance thus makes clear that we should proceed with appropriate caution.

After much prayer, the churchwardens and I have decided that with effect from Sunday, July 25:

1. Masks should still be worn inside by those who do not have a medical reason for not doing so.

2. Some pews will remain cordoned off. Seating on ‘open pews’ will be self-regulated. Signs asking others to ‘keep distance’ will be available on all pews for you to place next to your household to indicate to others that you wish space to be left. Socially distanced chairs will also be available at the rear and side of the church.

3. Congregational singing will return. We will wear our masks while we sing.

4. Hand gel should be used on entry, exit and before receiving Communion.

5. Track and Trace QR code will be available at the door if you have the NHS Covid app. Alternatively you may leave your name and contact details at the welcome desk if you wish to.

6. Communion will continue to be administered in the form of bread only. You will be invited to come forward to receive this at the Chancel steps. For those who wish to receive communion in their seats, this will be possible also.

7. The peace will be shared as we have been doing since we returned to church i.e. no handshakes/hugs are to be exchanged.

We will continue with this approach to worship for the next few weeks, and will review as we go.

The 9:30am Thursday service at St. Marys will continue without music for those who are anxious about the resumption of congregational singing. For those who are still shielding and having to isolate, be assured that we will continue to live stream via Zoom our 10:30am Sunday and 9:30am Thursday services. The Sunday service will also be available to watch on YouTube after the service has ended.

Please do contact me if you have any concerns or questions about the above. You remain in our prayers as we all discern how to best to live with the further easing of restrictions.

As I said in my note last week, we must bear with one another, think of others before ourselves and pray for one another. "...Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Yours in Christ, Rev Tom

ST. MARY'S OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYER. St Mary's Church is open between 9am-4pm. Please do let others in the community know that the church is regularly open once again.

Thursday Services

You are warmly welcome to join us at St Mary's or continue to join in via Zoom. We are committed to offering both options during the continued uncertain times.

Sunday Services: St Mary's Great Dunmow

During the summer months, our 10.30am service will following the pattern below:

• 1st Sunday: Holy Communion

• 2nd Sunday: Morning Praise

• 3rd Sunday: Holy Communion

• 4th Sunday: Morning Praise

• 5th Sunday: Holy Communion

Due to on-going COVID guidance, PCC have decided that the 9am service will not be held at present. This will be reviewed over the summer and we hope it will return later in the year. Rev Tom would welcome your feedback / opinion on our service pattern at any time as these are currently being reviewed.

Sunday Services: St Andrew's Barnston

From June and continuing throughout the summer months, services at St Andrew's Barnston will be as follows...

• 2nd Sunday, 10.30am: Holy Communion

• 4th Sunday, 6pm: Holy Communion or Evening Prayer / Celtic Prayers etc.