CAPTION: We are are now considering what the latest Government coronavirus advice means for churches
Business as Unusual
“It’s not no business, it’s not business as usual, it’s business as unusual. It is doing the normal abnormally.” The Church of England in Devon has suspended a number of events and meetings in the light of the Government’s coronavirus guidance but is working alongside Devon’s churches to provide practical and pastoral community support and find new ways of meeting together even if it cannot be physically.
Clarification from the national Church of England about church services, weddings, baptisms, funerals and small group meetings is expected shortly.
Big events in Devon which have been postponed include the three Joy2020 outreach weekends in Exeter, Totnes and Plymouth. It is hoped they will take place in 2021 instead.
The Chrism Eucharist on Maundy Thursday at Exeter Cathedral has been cancelled as a public service. This is usually the one day of the year when all Devon’s priests and readers (licensed lay ministers) come together for a service led by the Bishop of Exeter.
Instead there are plans to broadcast scaled-down services led by the Bishop of Exeter, Bishop of Crediton and Bishop of Plymouth via the Diocese of Exeter’s Youtube Channel, Facebook Page and Instagram Page.
Resources and advice for churches about how to live-stream or record services, simple contact cards, acts of worship and prayers can be found here
Communications Director Chloe Axford said: “Like many other organisations we are are now considering what the latest Government coronavirus advice means for churches in practice but providing clarity, practical and pastoral support to you at this time is our key priority.”
