COViD-19 Response

Updated 9 August 2021

(Updated guidance following recent governmental guidance changes)

St. Stephen’s, together with all churches, were closed to members of the public and clergy in March 2020 as a result of COViD-19. Since then, measures have been eased that first allowed the clergy to live-stream services from within the church building, then to allow individuals into church for private prayer and now we are pleased to be welcoming everyone back.

On 19 July 2021, the government announced that services could return to normality, including congregational singing. There are a few things to note:

Hand sanitiser will remain at the doors, and ongoing use will be encouraged;
The Peace will be exchanged in a non-contact way;
Holy Communion will be administered on one-kind only, at our Altar rails (please remain standing), with the priest continuing to wear a face-mask;
Face-Masks will be optional in our churches;
Refreshments will be made available after services;
Restrictions on life events, such as weddings and funerals, have also been lifted.

For advice to churches from the Church of England, follow this link

For advice from Public Health England, follow this link