19 October 2020 The Covid rating of Greater Manchester is currently tier 2. The Government is discussing changing the Covid rating to tier 3. Christian worship in our Churches is not affected by the rating level, and continues at the usual times even if the tier rating goes to 3. But we must still practise social distancing, and we still cannot sing, take communion in both kinds, or share the peace.

Government rules concerning the number of people who can gather together does not relate to services of worship. These rules relate to social gatherings.

Sunday services

St Barnabas (Clarksfield) at 9:30 am

Holy Trinity (Waterhead) at 11:00 am

Wednesday services

Holy Trinity (Waterhead) at 7:00 pm

To help reduce the risk of spreading the Coronavirus, our require worshippers to be socially distanced and do not involve singing nor will they end with refreshments. Holy Communion will be celebrated but distributed in one kind (bread) only. We ask all those attending to wear a face mask please, and to apply hand gel on entering.

Advice

Message from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

Latest advice about baptisms (Diocese of Manchester, dated 24.08.2020)

Latest advice about weddings (Diocese of Manchester, dated 24.08.2020)

Latest advice about funerals (Diocese of Manchester, dated 24.08.2020)

Latest advice from NHS England

Latest advice from Church of England (includes advice, resources, and FAQs)

Latest advice from Diocese of Manchester

Latest advice from Oldham Council

Latest advice from HM Government

Spiritual resources

Online resources

For pdf transcripts of services and YouTube videos in our two Churches, please click here.

For copies of the Churches’ magazine, please click here.

The Church of England have produced some Prayers at home (pdf) Some of the prayers will be useful when praying with children.

This site Prayers at home gives sample liturgies, prayers, patterns of prayer, recommended Bible verses.

Prayer for today (from the Church of England website) includes links to services of Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer (both Common Worship)

Church of England app with prayers and liturgy (Common Worship)

Downloadable resources

Guide to outdoor guided meditation (pdf with thanks to Oakwood Forest Church)

Prayers for children and families (MS-Word)

Resources for worship at home (MS-Word)

When you feel anxious (pdf file)

Church services

The BBC is planning to broadcast one live service each Sunday. Please look at your TV listings for more details.

Details of some Churches that plan to stream services (BBC website)

Explaining the virus to children

Child-friendly explanation of Coronavirus (pdf)

Talking to children about Coronavirus (pdf, produced by the British Psychological society)

Guidance from educational psychology for parents supporting their children during COVID-19 (pdf, produced by Oldham Council’s

Educational and Child Psychology Service)

Last updated 19 October 2020