You will have seen the exciting news from the Government that public worship will be allowed from 4th July. We are looking at the guidance to see how we might safely resume meeting together in Sunnyside but it will not be as soon as early July. It is important that we take the time we need to ensure that it is as safe as possible for us to meet and that we can comply with the guidance we have been given.

The process of unlocking our buildings is hugely complicated. We need to minimise the risk of infection for anyone coming into the church building and try to ensure that people are not excluded by their health or need to stay at home. We are following – and seeking to abide by – the advice we are given; it takes thought and time to then adapt that information so that it is appropriate for our building.

Meanwhile, the church building is now open for Private Prayer 10am-12noon on Mondays and 3pm-5pm on Fridays. Please enter church through the porch door and leaving via the west door. Hand-sanitiser and surface wipes are available in church. You will need to observe social distancing when using the church and the chairs are rearranged to facilitate this. The lobby and loos will not be available at this time. The church will be cleaned on a Monday morning. The virus does not live longer than 72 hours hence the length of gap between opening times.

In order that we can minimise the risk of infection, we are not able to provide any books or resources to assist with prayer or materials for the prayer board. Instead, a new email address can now be used for your prayer requests – prayer@sunnysidechurch.org.uk

There are notices on the church doors and noticeboards explaining what is happening and how to use the church building safely. We are keeping the website and Facebook up to date with latest developments so please be sure to check if you are not sure.

Someone will be in the church whilst it is open to supervise but also to be available should a visitor need support. If you would like to be part of the team doing this and it is safe for you to do so, please let Rebecca know.

We long for that day when we can gather in Sunnyside Church to worship God together. Meanwhile, we remember that the Church is the people of God not the building and that our worship and prayers are as just as precious to God when they come from our homes as from the church building. The church building may be closed but the Church is not shut!

If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact the vicar.