A message from the vicar

An update on coronavirus restrictions July 2021

The Health Secretary and the Prime Minister have announced the end of nearly all restrictions relating to coronavirus, but we have been encouraged by the Church of England, Professor Chris Whitty Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for England and Hertsmere Council to proceed with caution.

Whilst Face coverings and social distancing is no longer required by law, the government still "expects and recommends" them in crowded and enclosed spaces.

We, at KCM, are continuing to review the challenges presented by coronavirus to how we operate and adapting our service plans to reflect the developing position.

What we will be doing

• We will be taking a gradual approach over the summer to lifting our own restrictions.
• We will continue with a 1030 service (as we usually would through the summer) and will continue with alternating the style of service as we have been doing. Hoping to return to 9.30 sung Eucharist and 11am Morning worship in October (the PCC will review this at their September meeting), but we will keep you updated as the situation unfolds.
• We will be regularly reviewing these measures, along side our brothers and sisters in the other churches in Potters Bar so that we are keeping Covid Secure.

On Sunday mornings:

• whilst the legal requirements to wear face coverings indoors have been lifted we ask that, if you are able, you continue to wear a face covering in church, and whilst you move about the building.
• we will keep the doors open and maintain the air flow in the church.
• whilst there is no longer a requirement for you sit socially distanced from others, we ask that you are mindful of those who would rather sit with some distance.
• Singing will be allowed but we ask that you keep your mask on and sing through it for the time being. There is no obligation for you to sing as part of the services if you do not wish to.
• Please be aware as you share the peace that people may still wish to share the sign language peace or bump elbows rather than have physical contact of shaking hands or hugging.
• We will not be sharing the common cup for the time being whilst local levels of infections are so high. The Liturgical Faith and Order Commission have made clear that receiving in one kind is still ‘complete communion’.
• We will continue with a single line coming up for communion, please sanitise your hands as you come up and keep on your face covering until you have moved away from the priest.
• Any changes to the organisation of Holy Communion will be made clear during the notices at the beginning of each service.

On Tuesday mornings:

We will retain all social distance measures for our service of said communion for those who wish to attend a quieter said service with a smaller congregation.

Revd Atalie

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