Welcome back to Bishop Ridley Church

We are delighted to welcome our community back into Bishop Ridley Church for Sunday Services on 5th July. We will, of course, be following government guidance on the number of people allowed in the church building at one time and social distancing so things will be a bit different, but we would love to see you!

Sunday Services will be at 9am and 10.30am and we will also be holding a short Holy Communion Service on Wednesdays at 6.30pm.

Guidelines & FAQs

In line with government guidelines, please do not come to the church - or leave home - if you or someone you live with has any of the following:

a high temperature
a new, continuous cough
a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste.

For the safety of everyone, there will be special hygiene and distancing measures in Church which you must follow. We have removed the chairs from church and replaced them with chairs which can be cleaned more effectively. The chairs will be laid out in a format which allows for social distancing. Each chair will be sanitised after each use. You will be expected to use hand sanitiser upon entering the church. After each service (except Sunday 9am), the church will be thoroughly cleaned.

For the time being, we are advised to register and record the names of those attending services in case they are needed for any 'track & trace' situation. One of the wardens will undertake this as people arrive.

Should I wear a face mask?
The Church of England now strongly advises that face coverings should be worn by all those attending a place of worship where there may be other people present; remembering that they are mainly intended to protect other people, not the wearer, from coronavirus COVID-19 and that they are not a replacement for physical distancing and regular hand washing.

Can I use toilet while at church?
Yes, the toilets will be open.

Are children allowed in the church?
We warmly welcome all children and young people, they are part of the worshipping body of Christ. However, we ask that parents exercise their discretion in whether to bring their child(ren) to church. Think about whether your child will be able to follow the social distancing guidance and observe the atmosphere of a different type of service. Young children should be supervised by the parent or guardian and appropriate hygiene precautions followed. Please also be aware that there won't be any planned children's activities until September.

Other Changes you will notice...
Music - there won't be any singing, but we will play music from YouTube etc.
Bibles - if you wish to use a Bible, we encourage you to bring your own rather than use the communal ones, but Bible readings will be available on the projector screen
Paper - there won't be any printed orders of service, everything will be on the screen. We also won't be giving out news sheets - these are available here
Offering - Whilst we are grateful for any donations, in line with other organisations, it is preferable that we run on a cashless basis for the present. Therefore, we encourage donations by standing order, direct transfer, by card online or via the card reader in the entrance hall, or by cheque. Further details are in the news sheet. and there is a link to donate online here.
Refreshments - there will not be any tea/coffee served after the service
Holy Communion - only wafers will be administered. Rev Mark will take wine from the Common Cup on behalf of the church. We strongly discourage any physical contact during the Peace.
Prayer Ministry - unfortunately we can't do this in our usual way because of social distancing requirements - instead, please speak to Rev Mark if you would like prayer after the service.

We look forward to the day when we won't have to observe such measures, but in the meantime, ask for your patience as we seek to 'unlock' the church in a way that is as safe as possible for everyone.

I’m unable to leave my home because of Covid-19 symptoms and/or I am shielding, what other options are there for me to pray or join in with church?
God hears our prayers where ever we are and always loves to hear us share what is on our minds and hearts with him. We would also be happy to pray for you. Please send your prayer requests to prayer-requests@brchurch.org.uk.
There are online services available on the St John's Welling website at www.stjohnswelling.org.uk and also on the Church of England website at www.churchofengland.org
You can also call the Church of England's 'Daily Hope' freephone line of hymns, reflections & prayers on 0800 804 8044.

I need assistance or prayer can Bishop Ridley Church help me?
Yes, we are still offering practical support please contact us on info@brchurch.org.uk. Please send your prayer requests to prayer-requests@brchurch.org.uk.