Worshippers welcome back to church services
A Wishaw church has been given the green light to re-open for Sunday services following the easing of lockdown restrictions.
Wishaw Old Parish Church re-opened for private prayer on Monday morning, with the congregation being able to use the facility on Wednesday and Friday from 11am and 1pm.
And after discussions with Hamilton Presbytery, the green light has now been given to start holding Sunday services at 11am – albeit with some restrictions.
The church’s session clerk Tom Donaldson said:“There will be a requirement to observe physical distancing and enhanced hygiene measures.
“We will also ask any visitors for their personal details to assist in Track and Trace Procedures in event of an outbreak.
“We have completed a re-opening checklist and risk assessment and have put in place all procedures for physical distancing, hygiene control, capacity limitation, enhanced cleaning before and after services, provision of face masks for visitors.”
Attendance at any service will be limited to 50 people, with strict hygiene and physical distancing in place.
No hymns will be sung; no order of service, hymn books or pew bibles will be in use.
A one-way entry and exit system will also operate.
Parishioners will be directed by the door duty elder to the available seating in a designated pew.
This will mean only two members to each designated pew.This can be exceeded if members are from the same family grouping.
Tom added:“During the lockdown, we have broadcast a recorded version of our Sunday service on the church Facebook page and on YouTube.
“We have been heartened by the response of our audiences; over 2,300 hits so far.
“We have also been encouraged by the many comments and suggestions.
“We are investigating a similar provision to broadcast our service live or, if failing, a recording.”