In light of the Government guidance around non-essential contact, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued advice that all church buildings are closed.
What does this mean for All Saints?
Following the instruction from the government, our church building is closed for the foreseeable future. We have also closed our church halls and the groups that use it are not meeting. In the coming days we will be sending out information about how we will still continue to ‘be church’ and support each other, especially the most vulnerable among us whilst we are not physically able to meet. This would include online services and access to study material.
At the moment, if you need to get in touch with us we recommend you emailing us. If you don’t have an email for a specific person then please email office@allsaintsecclesall.org.uk and we will ensure that it is passed on. You can also call us and leave an answerphone message on 0114 2687574. These messages will be picked up daily from Monday-Friday.
We are encouraging our Small Groups to keep in touch with one another and identify how they can support one another in a way that works for them. Please do check in with the other members of your small group. If you know of anyone who is not a part of a group, and who may be isolated, if you can reach out to them to offer support that would make a huge difference.
What about weddings and funerals?
The Church of England have issued clear guidance regarding weddings and funerals.
In the case of weddings, it recommends that the numbers attending the ceremony should be limited to the legal minimum of five people: the priest, the bride and groom and two witnesses.
Funerals may now only happen at the Crematorium or at the graveside. Only immediate family members can attend (if the crematorium allows) – that is, spouse or partner, parents and children, keeping their distance in the prescribed way.
What does this mean for the Church Halls?
Our church halls are closed and will remain closed until we receive updated information from the government.
Is the church office still open?
We are still functioning, but remotely. This means that it may take a little longer for you to get a response. Our post is still being checked on a regular basis.
We appreciate that this is a challenging and worrying time for many people, we want our church family, and our wider community to know that we are with you and we will remain with you throughout this time. We will provide updates as they are available.
God Bless,
All Saints, Ecclesall