Thought For The Week 28 November 2021

Welcome to our services of worship today on the first Sunday in Advent, the focus of which is hope. One thing we are all hoping for is a return to some kind of normal in our dealings with the Covid 19 pandemic. I’m not sure we will be getting normal, but we are facing a change in response away from the elimination strategy and towards a living with covid in the safest way possible.

From Dec 2 the governments’ Covid Protection Framework will be introduced (known as the traffic light system). This sets rules around public gatherings based on the vaccination status of people wishing to attend. It recognises that vaccination provides the greatest protection against catching and transmitting the virus.

The Council of Assembly have determined that each parish must decide for themselves which option they will operate under. The options are:

With vaccination certificates. Proof of vaccination will be required to attend worship.

Without vaccination certificates. We can still operate but under some restrictions.

1. Under green, if vaccination certificates are required for attendees there is no limit on gatherings such as weddings, funerals and church services. If vaccination certificates are not used, (i.e. unvaccinated people may be present) gatherings are limited to 100 people and provision for 1 metre social distancing must be in place.
2. Under orange, if vaccination certificates are used there are no limits on the number of people who can gather at church services, weddings, and other gatherings. If vaccination certificates are not used gatherings are limited to 50 people and provision for 1 metre social distancing must be applied.
3. If a red traffic light is in place, gatherings of up to 100 people can take place based on one metre social distancing if vaccination certificates are used. If vaccination certificates are not used, gatherings are limited to up to 10 people.

It is obvious that whatever option we take there is potential for excluding some folk,    either because they are unvaccinated or they won’t feel safe if in contact with unvaccinated people. However, the primary concern and responsibility of the parish council is the health and safety of our community and this will be front and centre in our decision making.

If you would like to express your opinion on this please make contact with myself or Judith Begg before Wednesday 1^st Dec.

Blessings,

Brent Richardson