- Everybody is asked to share the Peace in ways which do not involve contact (that is, not shaking hands etc)
- Following updated advice, Holy Communion will now be distributed in one kind only (that is, the consecrated bread/wafer/host), with the priest alone taking the wine.
- We are asking everyone to receive the bread/wafer/host on the hand ONLY (not on the tongue).
- If possible, when attending the Eucharist in particular please sanitise your hands as you come into church, if sanitized gel. Ministers are required to sanitise their hands before and after distributing communion.
- Everyone will be invited to receive communion standing, rather than kneeling at the communion rail, again to reduce risk.
- During communion, prayers of blessing will be given without contact.
- We are suspending hospitality after services as multiple people touch mugs & utensils.
- We will refrain from passing collection plates around.
Q. Where has the advice come from? These guidelines follow current Government advice, and can be found on the Church of England website. Currently, the only exception is standing for the distribution of communion, which is in addition to current guidance.
Q. Has the advice changed? The advice is changing over time. Our practice is changing to reflect this.
The Revd. Poppy Hughes, Rector
The Benefice of Tetbury, Beverston, Long Newnton & Shipton Moyne