We have been closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and, following advice from Public Health England

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

and the URC  https://urc.org.uk/news/3365-urc-issues-coronavirus-advice-to-its-churches

we are taking appropriate steps to ensure we keep our congregations, staff team, and hall hirers as safe as possible.

Within days, it is expected that the Government will announce measures for people in at-risk groups to stay at home for 12 weeks. This affects pregnant women, people aged over 70 and those with underlying health conditions https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51506729

How will this affect AAURC?

1. Sunday worship

Following the United Reformed Church guidance (17/03/20) we are suspending public worship with immediate effect. However, those who do not fall into any of the vulnerable categories are invited to join me at AAURC for the National Day of Prayer at 10:45 on Sunday 22 March 2020.

We continue to closely monitor updates from Public Health England in relation to our services and events.

The Elders strongly advise people not to attend church if:

* You are in a vulnerable https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html

high risk group.

* You are feeling unwell or have a recent onset of a new continuous cough and/or high temperature (above 37.8), https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance

click for public health guidance.

These are some of the steps we are taking for all events at AAURC to help prevent the spread of infection:

* We are asking everyone to wash their hands as they enter the building.

* We ask everyone to refrain from handshakes and hugs.

* We are asking all staff and volunteers who are feeling unwell to stay away until fully recovered.

* Consequently we will suspend the morning coffee rota, the Bible reading rota and the communion preparation rota. Thank you to those who volunteer for this.  We will inform people once these rotas are back up and running.

In addition:

* If you have recently returned from abroad, or are planning travel, please ensure that you are following all Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

* Please do not attend church if you are in a period of self, or mandated isolation.

1. Events

The Elders have made the decision to suspend Friday Lunch Club and Friday Friendship Club; Open House Café on Wednesdays; Toy Library; and the Wednesday Craft group immediately.

As from Wednesday 18th March, Jolly Tots and Toddler Music will now be suspended.

The Elders have also decided that we will suspend Home Groups, the Wednesday evening prayer meeting and the Thursday morning Bible Study for the time being.

However, the Thursday morning prayer meeting will continue. Please only attend based on the guidance specified above.

Those who normally volunteer at the events which are continuing, please only attend based on the guidance specified above.

2. Child Contact Centre

Contact Centre is closed until further notice.

3. Pastoral issues

We would like to encourage all of us who are able to take positive steps to care for others (especially those who are vulnerable, ill or self-isolating), to consider neighbours, colleagues and friends and also to take steps to look after ourselves! Even those in isolation can help by phoning others they know who may be shut in, so that no-one is left feeling isolated. Please contact your Elder – they are always happy to chat and pray with you.

If you are having to self-isolate and you have no-one who is able to shop for you or collect prescriptions etc., please let the office know and we will try to arrange for someone to help you.

4. Fundraising events

We had several fundraising events booked over the next few months. Regrettably we have had to take the decision to cancel these until the end of July.

This applies to the following events:

The Believers Singalong on 27/03/2020

The Church Quiz on 24/04/2020

The Murder Mystery on 30/05/2020

Other cancellations:

Maundy Thursday meal on 09/04/2020

March of Witness on 10/04/2020

Good Friday Seasonal Singers on 10/04/2020

If you find yourself with more available time than usual, we’d encourage you to feed your heart and soul with worship and teaching rather than Netflix or catch-up TV!

Examples follow:-

* Bible project teaching videos  https://bibleproject.com/explore/

* Worship playlist  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQWFzMvCfLE&list=RDEMORiNTZh5MD9bcOhfcgo6iQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQWFzMvCfLE&list=RDEMORiNTZh5MD9bcOhfcgo6iQ

Let us be prompted to pray at this time. Let’s choose faith not fear and be especially mindful of others!

We will stay in contact.

Revd Jane Wade

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