Watch the videos below to see how church is going to operate at both our sites from 6th September onwards:
The Elders have continually been reviewing the latest government guidance and following a meeting and completion of risk assessments, we are delighted to share that we intend on reopening for Church Services from Sunday 6th September 2020.
Due to the current restricted numbers we will hold THREE services per week.
Sunday Morning 10.30am Grange Road Site
Sunday Evening 6pm Corporation Road Site
Wednesday Afternoon 2pm Grange Road Site
In both Sunday morning and evening services, we intend to incorporate children and Wednesday afternoon will be specifically for those who are vulnerable or over 70 and we will ask you not to bring children to this service. Each service will be fundamentally the same except Wednesday will not include the children.
We want to make it absolutely clear that there is no expectation on those who do not feel comfortable to venture out, to do so. We fully understand that each person should do what they feel appropriate for them and as such we will be streaming one of the services onto YouTube ONLY to help those who are not able to physically gather just yet.
What precautions have been taken?
Your safety and wellbeing are a top priority to us and as such you will notice a number of differences when you enter both buildings. We want to assure you that;
Both Churches have been risk assessed
Churches have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Sanitisation stations have been installed in all areas around the building including entrances, exits and toilets.
One way systems have been implemented.
Socially distanced seating has been implemented.
The midweek service is at 2pm Wednesday so that there is 72 hours between Church sanctuary usage at Grange Road.
We have designed a list of Frequently Asked Questions for your information.
FAQs
Will I need to book?
Yes. Numbers at each service are limited due to social distancing. We will be collating service preferences from those who have been regularly attending services and will allocate seating as such over the next two weeks. It may not be possible for everyone to be allocated their first choice service therefore we would ask for grace but we will endeavour to make things work for you.
What happens on arrival?
The Church doors will open 20 minutes before the scheduled start time of a service. You will be asked to sanitise your hands at the door and be checked in by the Welcome Team. Following this, you will be directed to your allocated seating without having to touch anything.
Will I need to wear a facecovering?
In accordance with current Government Guidelines, everyone over the age of 11 will be required to wear a face covering throughout the service, unless you are otherwise exempt.
Can I use the toilet?
Toilets will be available, but we ask that you avoid using them where possible, especially considering the reduced service lengths. If your child needs the toilet, they should be accompanied at all times. We also ask that you follow the toilet use procedure you will find in the bathroom.
What social distancing measures are in place?
Allocated seating is a minimum of 2m away from any other ‘household’ or ‘bubble’. Children should remain seated with you at all times and we ask that once seated you do not move around the room. We also ask that the guidelines are followed in that we don’t greet one another with hugs, handshakes or other physical greetings.
Will I be able to bring a Bible?
We would request that you bring your own Bible as we are not able to give them out at the moment.
Will I be able to sing?
The current Government guidelines do not allow for ‘congregational’ singing. When this is reviewed by the Government we will also review. Music and singing is allowed to be played as part of the service by a worship team.
Will I be able to give a financial offering?
Yes there will be buckets available for cash or cheques at the end of the service. We continue to encourage people wherever possible to give online.
Will Rock Solid (Sunday School) be on?
We will not be reopening Rock Solid at this stage but we will seek to engage with children in both Sunday morning and evening services. Services will be shorter in length due to the lack of congregational sung worship and we would ask parents to think about what you might bring that will help your child to enjoy their time in Church. We hope to reopen Rock Solid as soon as it is possible.
What happens following the service?
You will be asked to leave one row at a time by the Welcome Team. Please be aware that we cannot offer refreshments at this time and we would encourage you to socially interact with fellow Church attenders in line with Government guidelines. Perhaps you could arrange a meal after Church with another household or go for a walk in the park?
What about track and trace?
As part of our responsibilities, when you book into a service, we will ask for your consent to collect your details for the purposes of NHS Test and Trace. In line with guidance issued by the Department for Health and Social Care, we will keep your details safely and in compliance with GDPR legislation for 21 days before securely disposing of or deleting them. We will only share your details with NHS Test and Trace, if asked, in the event that it is needed to help stop the spread of Coronavirus. We will not use your details for any other purposes or pass them on to anyone else.
What if I feel unwell?
If you feel unwell, are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or have been recently diagnosed with COVID-19, you must not attend any physical service. Instead, we would encourage you to join us online. Likewise, if you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed or experiencing
symptoms of COVID-19 please stay at home. Please ensure you follow all Government Guidance on this matter.
What happens next?
Please contact the ministers on ministers@darlingtonbaptist.org to enquire about seating availability for any service.