Please read through the following questions and answers, to make sure you know what to do, and what to expect.
Can I come along to a church service?
Yes! You are welcome, no matter whether you attended church before Covid19 or not. Pre booking is prefered but not essential. You will only be turned away if we have reached our capacity.
In addition, you should follow the current advice and guidance if you are in the Extremely Clinically Vulnerable group or the at-risk group and have been advised not to attend a place of worship.
Also, we would ask you not to come to church if you are showing symptoms of any virus/infection type of illness but especially covid19.
Will I need to wear a face mask or covering?
At the moment the government guidance and advice states that face coverings are mandatory in places of worship. Please follow the appropriate government advice for yourself, others in your household or bubble and your children/young people
Why do I need to pre-book seats for a church service?
We are putting a pre-booking system in place for our services in church to manage our total number due to capacity. “Capacity” is the number of people we are allowed by law to have in the church building and this number has been determined by our Covid19 secure risk assessment, which we are required to have in place. Of course, it goes without saying, that we do not want to turn anyone away from a service but if we have reached capacity we will be required to do so by law.
When can I book to attend a church service?
Bookings will open on Mondays (9am) to book services for that following week. Bookings for Sundays close at 6pm on the Friday previous.
How many seats can I book?
As many as you need to for your family/household/bubble. We have to allocate seats depending on size of booking. For example, one person, a couple, a small family, a large family and a family plus others in bubble. If the form says that there are less seats available than how many you wish to book, then please get in touch with us.
Why do I need to give you my contact details?
We are being asked to keep a record of contact details for the NHS Test and Trace system. This is done in the final section of the form.
However, by giving us your details you are also allowing us to send you a confirmation email and to contact you with any additional information about your booking (including cancelling if needed).
Your details will be kept securely for 21 days after the service you have attended and then destroyed.
The giving of your details for NHS Test and Trace is strongly encouraged. However, we require a name and email address to confirm your booking. These too will be deleted 21 days after the service.
Will I be allocated a seat?
Yes. A steward will let you know where you are sitting when you arrive at church. If you have any specific requirements for seating, you can let us know when making your booking
What will happen when I arrive at church?
On arrival at the church you will be asked to wait at a 2-metre distance if there is another person/family in front of you. You will be asked if you have pre-booked your seats and invited to sanitise your hands. Your seats will have been allocated, and you will be reminded not to congregate in the aisles.
Will there be singing during the service?
At the moment, government advice states that congregational singing is not permitted.
Can I receive Holy Communion?
Some church services will be offering Holy Communion or a blessing. It will say on the home page if the service includes Holy Communion. Holy Communion will be given to you, where you are seated and only in one kind (wafer only). The priest will consume wine on behalf of the congregation. A blessing can also be given while you remain in your seat.
Will there be a collection for the church (offering of money)?
No, not as such. Cash collections are discouraged due to the risk of transmission of the virus. However, our treasurer will be overjoyed if you would like to give for the work of the church. Our online giving platform for Fenstanton Church is: https://tiny.cc/fenstantonchurchdonate NB if you usually give/donate to St Mary’s Church, Fen Drayton then please use https://tiny.cc/fendraytonchurchdonate Thank you!
Will a toilet be available?
Yes. Hygiene for Covid19 will be in place and you are asked to adhere to a 2-metre distance if there is a queue.
Will there be any refreshments or fellowship afterwards?
Unfortunately at the current time we are not allowed to serve refreshments or to allow mixing/mingling with others, before or after services.
Will I need to bring an order of service?
An order of service will be in your seat when you arrive at church
If you need to cancel your booking, please email us using the email address at the top of this page
The booking system is closed, or says it is full?
If this is the case, and you would like to attend, please email us using the address at the top of this page and we will endeavour to fit you in (dependent on the size of 'bubbles' already attending, which may mean space is available)
Feel free to email us using the email address at the top of this page
