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Step Three

The next step will also take place when the assessment of risk warrants further adjustments to the remaining measures. The Government’s current planning assumption is that this step will be no earlier than 4 July, subject to the five tests justifying some or all of the measures below, and further detailed scientific advice, provided closer to the time, on how far we can go.

The ambition at this step is to open at least some of the remaining businesses and premises that have been required to close, including … public places (such as places of worship) and leisure facilities (like cinemas).

They should also meet the COVID-19 Secure guidelines.

Some venues which are, by design, crowded and where it may … Read More

While church buildings remain closed for public worship, in line with Government advice, the Bishops agreed in principle to a phased approach to lifting restrictions, in time and in parallel with the Government’s approach, with three broad stages as infection levels improve:

An initial immediate phase allowing very limited access to church buildings for activities such as streaming of services or private prayer by clergy in their own parishes, so long as the necessary hygiene and [physical] distancing precautions are taken

Subsequently access for some rites and ceremonies when allowed by law, observing appropriate physical distancing and hygiene precautions

Worship services with limited congregations meeting, when Government restrictions are eased to allow this.

The Bishops agreed that the decision on the timing … Read More

St James’ building, like all churches in Britain, is now closed.  However, St James’ Church remains alive in the homes of its individual members. I aim to post a daily Thought for the Day on this website and on the Facebook page; I will send out the Weekly Bulletin and Sermon to anyone who sends me their email address (nicholas.clews@leeds.anglican.org); I will pray daily at 09:00 hrs and 17:00 hrs and I invite you to join me at home. Suggested readings are set out below:

Ezekiel 47.1–9, 12;
Psalm 46.1–8;
John 5.1–3, 5–16

Wednesday 25th

Isaiah 49.8–15;
Psalm 145.8–18;
John 5.17–30 I

Thursday 26th

Exodus 32.7–14;
Psalm 106.19–23;
John 5.31–end

Friday 27th

Wisdom 2.1, 12–22 or
Jeremiah 26.8–11;
Psalm 34.15–end;
John 7.1–2, … Read More

https://stjameswoodhallandwaterloo.org/blog/2238

As you may be aware the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have asked all parishes church to suspend public worship until further notice. This will happen St Margaret and St James immediately.

All suspended until further notice

The Saturday morning surgeries run by the Cllrs Carter are currently suspended

Meetings cancelled April and May 2020

New advice from the Government has been noted and many groups using the hall are cancelling events including the Scout and Guide groups. The Church run Toddler Group, Senior Exercise Class and Soulfood are all suspended.  As yet no services have been cancelled – we can keep a distance from each other!  –  but we are awaiting advice from the Church of England nationally.

Fr Nicholas