There are some changes to how we are doing Sundays services at Woodlands Central over the summer.
We recognise that changes in government guidance as of the 19th July have been welcomed by some and are causing anxiety for others, particularly the more vulnerable. We are also aware that rates of COVID cases in Bristol are currently very high.
With that in mind we want to encourage everyone to “consider the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4) as we seek to find ways of opening our services to more people with less restrictions whilst keeping some mitigations in place to reduce the risk of you contracting COVID-19 at a church service.
Before attending, please read the guidelines below.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON SUNDAYS
IN JULY & AUGUST 2021
WHO CAN JOIN?
Everyone is welcome to join, but to ensure we are being safe, our capacity is limited and we ask that you book in advance to attend a Sunday service. If you have any COVID symptoms, please do not come to Woodlands. Ring 119 and get a test.
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE I ARRIVE?
Before coming to church, please make sure you have been observing good hygiene to keep us all safe, following common sense and government guidelines to avoid infection.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GET TO CHURCH?
Please arrive 30 minutes before the service so you can enjoy a hot drink and catchup with friends outside - please bring a keepie cup with you. Everyone must sanitise their hands on entry to the building. The services are live-streamed and we close the doors 15 minutes before the service starts. Simply wait outside the Foyer until you are admitted.
DO I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK?
We want to be loving towards all those who still feel that some Covid restrictions are necessary (and so that our team and volunteers don't have to self-isolate at holiday times), so we would like people to wear masks as they enter and exit the building and are moving about inside the church. Let's be careful and respect each other's space. We will have disposable masks available if needed, but we would much prefer if you could bring your own.
WHERE WILL I SIT?
During July & August, you can choose between two different seating areas when you book online:
Covid Safe Area
Located at the back half of the main hall, maintaining all prior Covid safety precautions:
Seating is 2m apart
Masks are required during the service
No singing allowed
Relaxed Worship Area
The front area of church will have fewer precautions:
Household/bubble groups are sat 1m apart
Masks not required during the service (except to sing)
Singing is allowed (with masks on)
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE SERVICE?
There will be a briefing 15 minutes before the service starts. Then we’ll pray before the service starts, enjoy worship and hear a message. Our services are being live-streamed for those at home who are unable to be with us.
WHAT IF SOMEONE AT CHURCH HAS COVID?
If someone from the service comes down with COVID, you won't have to self isolate (unless you have the NHS app and have your bluetooth enabled on your phone). If you give us permission, you will be contacted with the recommendation that you get tested, if more than two people test positive in any one service.
WHAT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IS THE CHURCH TAKING?
Our spaces have all been risk-assessed and capacity has been appropriated in line with Government guidelines for places of worship. We will be sterilising surfaces before and after the service. The toilets will not be available - apart from in a case of emergency - so please ensure that you go before you leave home.
CAN I SIT WITH MY ‘HOUSEHOLD’?
If you are in a household or bubble, please add a comment in the Notes section of the Booking Form online and ensure that you arrive together so that you can be seated together. If possible, please book your tickets at the same time using the "add ticket" option.
We look forward to welcoming you to church on Sundays.
