July’s Letter From Jon

July’s Letter From Jon

Dear Friends

I am writing this letter on Friday 18th June and like many I have been listening to the announcement of the Welsh Government and the relaxation of the lockdown. Like many I was listening in order to ascertain when I would be able to next see my parents in Neath and also when it may be possible to visit our daughter in London.

As well as the personal family matters that have affected us all, I was also delighted to learn that the Welsh Government has said that places of worship can open for private prayer. It is important to stress here that wording of “can open” and “private prayer”. In conjunction with this the Church in Wales has issued a practical guide on re-opening the churches during the Red Phase which is the new phase we are in.

As this has only been announced today and as I have only seen the guidelines today I am unable to give exact dates and times as to when St Mary’s Church Wenvoe will be open. Over the next few days we will be working through the guidelines and getting systems in place in order to be able to safely open the building. More details will follow in due course on our facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/sullywenvoeandstlythans.

However, it is important to note the following at this stage

  • The church building is open for private prayer only. There will be no formal worship or singing.
  • As there is no formal worship we are still unable to undertake funerals, weddings and baptisms in the church
  • The Church in Wales Guidelines state that we are not able to offer people votive candles to light
  • The Church in Wales Guidelines stress that those who are shielding should not enter the church building
  • The Church Hall will remain closed at present

 

2m social distancing – at the time of writing – continues to be applied at all times in the approach to the church and inside the building

This list has a bit of an austere Old Testament look to it – and I apologise if people find it off putting, but I am sure that, as you can imagine, we have to stay within the Guidelines as set by the Bench of Bishops of the Church in Wales.

You will notice that we are not as yet permitted to open the Church Hall in Wenvoe. It has also been decided that during the Red Phase we will not be re-opening the church in St Lythans.

But please don’t be downhearted by the rules and regulations, rather see them as the first small step towards opening our doors freely to all who wish to enter our beautiful ancient parish churches.

Should you require any more information then please do not hesitate to contact me on revjonormrod@yahoo.co.uk

Yours

Jon