Since the start of the Covid outbreak over two years ago we have been constantly reflecting on the changing national guidance as we have made decisions about when and how we are able to gather together. At each stage we have reflected the national guidance and tried to care for those who are most vulnerable, whilst recognising everyone’s desire to get together as freely as possible under the circumstances. Following the latest government announcement, we wish to update the church family about how things will look at our Sunday morning service.

From this Sunday people will not be required to wear masks during the service. We would, however, encourage wearing them to keep the vulnerable safe as we recognise, understand and respect that some of our congregation remain at risk and/or are cautious about the continuing possibility of becoming infected by the Covid virus. For that reason, we will be offering seating for those that want to stay slightly away from those who are not wearing masks. This area will be clearly set aside for those who wish to use it.

On a Sunday, if you have any concerns, please discuss them with one of our Welcome Team who will be only too pleased to try to help you. They will also be able to indicate the area that we will be keeping free for those at risk.

The Sunday morning service on 2 January will be online only. The video is available to watch here.

From Sunday 12th September the church will be open from 9.45am with refreshments available upon arrival.

At 10.15am the online service video will begin being projected onto the screen, and those present will be able to join in the singing, keeping their masks on please.

The building will remain open until 11.30am allowing an opportunity for quiet reflection.  We respectfully ask that those who wish to socialise or continue in informal worship would facilitate this by moving to the churchyard and maintaining appropriate distancing.

On the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of the month it is planned to offer an “Agape” style of simplified communion following the end of the video part of the service.

Some may feel anxious about coming back into the building and others have joined St James in worship from across the country and so online services will continue even though the church doors will be open.  Links to our services and Treasure Time videos can be found here.

Some of you may be aware that we have been unable to have a children’s group or area in the church since re-opening and so on Sunday 13th June, we are going to try ‘Picnic Blanket Church’ outside for the young children and their parents/carers. Starting at 10:30 it will be a short time together (max 1/2 hour) and will involve things like a short activity, a Bible story, an action song and a prayer. Please can each family bring their own blanket and any drink or snack that they may need. We will be socially distanced on our blankets and we’ll need to know if you’re interested in coming as numbers will be limited. Please let me know and I can let you have the extra details.

Rev Vikki

07983402614
southamstjames@gmail.com

The meeting to elect our Churchwardens will be held via Zoom* on Sunday April 25th at 11.00am to be immediately followed by our Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM).

The notice for the election of our Churchwardens is here.

The nomination form for Churchwardens is here.

The notice for our Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) is here.

The nomination form for PCC members is here.

Please email completed nomination forms asap to barryapcm@icloud.com or ring Barry on 01926 811254 to arrange collection. If it is difficult to obtain the signatures of proposers and seconders on a paper copy please contact Barry. 

The various documents for the meetings, including agendas, annual report and other statutory reports, etc. are here.

*In order to join the meeting please request log on details from Barry Parker at barryapcm@icloud.com by Friday 23 April.

If you have any questions or queries please contact us.