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A NOTE TO ONE AND ALL ON THE EVE OF THE SEASON OF ADVENT 2020

Advent is a time when we are invited to learn how to wait for the God who comes among us in the Christ child. In a time of challenging and necessary restrictions, seeking to slow the rate of spread of the virus, and in time halt it, the season of Advent gives the Church the opportunity to create the space we all need to pray, watch and wait in hope.

The number and times of our services in Advent and at Christmas this year are Covid-affected. With Glasgow in Tier 4 at time of writing (20 November), and attendance restricted to 20, we are holding two morning services in the Kirk: at 10.30 & 11.30 on 29.11, the exception being 06.12, a Communion Sunday, when we will meet at 10.30 & 12.00 noon.

If you wish to attend any of these services you will need to register your intention to do so:

email or or

The Lessons & Special Music Service, 20.12 at 6.30 p.m. - details to follow. In addition, a Messy Christingle service will be held on Zoom on Christmas Eve at 3.00pm.

May the peace of Christ be with you and yours now and always,

Stewart

Rev Dr Stewart Gillan

Minister, St John’s-Renfield

The Church has reopened for Private Prayer and Sunday Services

In line with Scottish Government guidance and with the approval of Presbytery, Sunday Worship has recommenced.  For the time being, the Sunday service will be a different experience, shorter than usual, and although Cameron will play for us there will be no singing. Nevertheless, our Ministers are working hard to create services that are meaningful and will point us towards God in new ways as well as old, while ensuring that what we are doing is safe, legal and responsible.

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All are welcome in church, but please think about your own health and circumstances before deciding to come. Stay up to date with Scottish Government advice about COVID-19, hand and respiratory hygiene, and social distancing - and follow it.

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If you or anyone in your household has had a new continuous cough, a fever, or a change in sense of smell or taste within the last 14 days, please stay at home and contact NHS Test and Protect.

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• Entrance to church is via the ramp at the north side of the building. The Welcome Team will be there to greet you. They will be wearing face coverings. You are invited to bring and wear a face covering too, unless there is medical reason why you shouldn’t.

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• When you arrive, we will note your name and phone number. The Scottish Government requires us to keep this information for Test and Protect purposes. We will store the information securely for 21 days, and then destroy it. We won’t use your details for any other purpose.

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• The Welcome Team will invite you to use the hand sanitiser provided before entering the sanctuary.

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• The sanctuary looks a bit different. To help with social distancing, some rows of chairs have been replaced with individual seats, and some areas have been roped off. The Welcome Team will help you find a seat, and they will ask you to leave a laminated sheet on it as you leave to show the seat has been used. This helps us with cleaning. If you arrive with someone from your household you can sit beside them. Otherwise, please maintain 2m distance from others.

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• Children are welcome and you may want to bring books and toys to keep them entertained. It’s difficult, we know, but we’re relying on you to make sure your child(ren) maintain 2m distance from other people / households. At this early stage we’re unable to offer crèche or Sunday Club facilities.

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• For hygiene reasons, we’ve removed the bibles, hymn books and cushions. Feel free to bring your own bible if you like.

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• There won’t be a collection during the service but you will have the chance to deposit your offering as you leave.

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• Exit will be via the main door.

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• Needless to say, handshaking, fist/elbow bumping or hugs are not allowed!

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• When arriving and leaving, please be mindful of distancing and resist the urge to stop for a chat inside the building. Don’t be offended when the Welcome Team ask you to move along.

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• The kitchen is closed for hygiene reasons, so there will be no tea and coffee although water will be available on request from the Welcome Team.

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• The toilets are open.

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• Unfortunately the current situation means that if any visitors become unwell and are

  unable to go home without assistance, we will call an ambulance.

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• The sanctuary remains open  for private prayer and reflection on Tuesdays (11am – 11.30am) .

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We appreciate that you may decide that the best thing for you and your family is to stay away from church at the moment. We will be continuing our digital offerings for those with internet access. Please feel free to get in touch with us so we can support you and find ways to include you in worship.

If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your Elder or the Ministers.

These are our first steps towards the new normal, and we will continue to adapt, change and progress in line with Scottish Government and Church of Scotland guidance. Whatever form our worship takes, we pray that it will be a blessing to all who come.

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Gift Service : We will not unfortunately be having a normal "Gift Service" with the children this year but we are still looking for children's gifts to give to "Glasgow the Caring City".

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If you wish to donate a gift you can bring them on Sunday 6th December or Sunday 13th December between 10 and 12 noon.  If you are unable to attend on a Sunday we will be opening the Church on Saturday 12th December between 11 and 12 to enable you to drop your gifts off.

If you would like to donate a gift but cannot make it at those times, please contact Graham Moore "Graham Moore" edward.moore2@ntlworld.com or Susan Finnigan "Susan Finnigan" sfinnigan183@gmail.com and they will try to arrange to collect your Gift.

Alternatively you can donate to the Glasgow the Caring City Charity online via their webpage or Facebook pages.

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The Caring City have asked for consideration be given to gifts for teenagers as this age group often receive considerably less than youngsters.

Gifts should be marked suitable for boy or girl.

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Thanking you for your continued support for Glasgow the Caring City.

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