The Church continues to serve God, and this community, through daily pastoral care, practical support and online worship.
H.M. Government has announced that from 4th July places of worship may be opened for public worship under strict conditions – following a local assessment of the risks, maintaining social distancing. In the Benefice of Wigan this duty rests with the Team Rector, Neil Cook, and parochial church councils. He has asked them to pray and plan in light of this news. On Sunday 5th July there will be a single celebration of the eucharist at Wigan Parish Church, the first in nearly four months.
In subsequent weeks the Hub-parishes will plan, and work together, in gradually opening more buildings. Some will remain closed because social distancing is not possible, or because the people who would normally lead worship, welcome, or clean, are not able to do so at this time. Our Hub-parish will discuss this at PCC and make a further announcement within the next week.
Many familiar aspects of public worship will be altered, by law until further notice. People will have to sit apart, will not be able to sing, and should not socialise with those outside their households around the act of worship. We will need to log the names and telephone numbers of those who attend, for the purposes of ‘track and trace’. But it will be possible to celebrate the sacraments, and that will be a significant milestone.
Wigan Council has judged that the spread of the COVID-19 infection is now falling in our region. Therefore, the easing of lockdown measures can proceed, with caution. The Bishop of Liverpool supports this plan for a phased return, without losing what has been gained in meeting together online.
Opening the Doors
Holy Communion at Wigan Parish Church – Sunday 5th July 9.30am
Social distancing regulations will be in place and seating will be limited. Please let us know if you would like to attend by contacting our churchwarden Glynda Anderton on 07907972434.
Update – St Mark’s will reopen on Sunday 19th July at 10.30am
St. Mark's Church Newtown 