Hello,

We are writing to you with some sadness today to confirm that we will not be able to open the church building this Sunday (5th July) for a service, but are excited at the prospect of being able to come together for worship as soon as will be safely possible.

On Monday this week the Government issued new detailed guidelines about the reopening of church buildings for services. On Tuesday the Baptist Union issued substantial advice and have provided us with check lists and risk assessment templates, to enable us to adhere to these guidelines properly.

The leadership team have begun to work through these new requirements this week but, together with many Baptist churches, we are having to accept that we need more time to consider every aspect properly and to ensure that the necessary safety measures are in place.

Thanks to the kindness and hard work of various people we already have appropriate cleaning products and santisers at the ready, we have measured the sanctuary and are beginning to work out the distancing of seats and one-way systems through the building.

There is much still to be done and we value your prayers and support in this process. We will send out more information when we are nearer to re-opening. Until that time we encourage you, please do continue to take advantage of whatever safe and sensible means you have of meeting, speaking and praying with one another. If there is a church friend you haven’t spoken to in a long time, do consider contacting them.

In some ways, people are now finding lockdown even harder than before. Do reach out and get the support that you need. Even in the midst of all this, we are still here to support you.

And let us remember the words of Paul and be encouraged. ‘The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.’  Gal.5:22-23

With our love,

The Bures Baptist Church Leadership Team