Following the MBC ‘Re-set’ item published on the church website on 28th August which you can read by clicking HERE Sunday services will continue to be shared online and we are looking at how we can offer a service in the building in harmony with this. How we share services is a priority and in this way we believe that we will be a church open to the community in the widest possible way. Currently, we are working on what needs to be in place in terms of volunteers, equipment and support. This is the most complex meeting to run and so there is no date set for using the building for Sunday services just yet.
We will keep you updated on the progress we are making. Meanwhile, we are offering a couple of ‘pilot’ activities in a safe and meaningful way.
We shall open the Music Room on two occasions during the week from:
Monday 5th October 10am-12pm for prayer offering 30 minute bookable slots
Friday 9th October 10am-11am for bible study
We are listening and learning and so wish to know if these times for prayer and Bible study are accessible for you or would another time be better.
Safety in numbers
As the MBC building is a ‘Designated Place of Worship’ we do not need to conform to the ‘Rule of Six’, however we do need to decide safe numbers on the basis of capacity in the room. We can offer 12 seated spaces for each session in the Music Room.
The layout of the room for each activity will be arranged in order to comply with social distancing guidelines.
Booking your slot
The slots would need to be booked in advance by contacting the church office on moortown.baptist@btconnect.com or calling 0113 2693750 and leaving a message. Someone will then get back to you and confirm your slot.
For the Monday prayer, please book by 12 noon on the preceding Thursday.
For Friday Bible study please book by 12 noon on the preceding Monday.
Other lockdown restrictions
It is possible that rules may change and local lockdown measures may be put in place. This will mean that our plans and programmes are subject to change.
Our priority remains to be a safe, meaningful and open church.
Doing it safely
Those who are attending will be required to:
- To confirm that they are free from COVID symptoms. You will be asked at booking confirmation and also on arrival at the activity.
- Wear a face mask. A face mask must be worn by anyone over 11 years old prior to entering the church building, unless you are exempt from wearing one. The bible study leader/s will wear a face shield.
- Use the hand sanitiser provided
- If possible to have been to the toilet prior to coming to church. The disabled toilet and the one next to it will be available if needed but would need to be cleaned and sanitised after use
- Bring their own bible/study material
- Tea and coffee will NOT be provided but you can bring your own and take your cup home with you
- Prayer sheets and study notes may be available in paper form. If attendees handle any such materials they will be required to take their copy home with them and not leave anything on the premises
- Once the activity has finished attendees will be encouraged to move on promptly to minimise the risk of contact and spread of infection.
Data Protection/Privacy
Attendees will need to be signed in and out of the building and to provide contact details for NHS track and trace purposes. In line with guidance issued by the Dept. of Health, we will keep your details safely and in compliance with GDPR legislation for 21 days before securely disposing of or deleting them. We will only share your details with NHS test and trace, if asked, in the event that it is needed to help stop the spread of coronavirus. We will not use your details for any other purpose or pass them on to anyone else.
Small groups – meeting at home or outdoors
Home groups and other small groups can continue to meet in safe ways. This may mean a video call, walks or meetings outside. Some groups have met in homes.
We ask to you observe the recommended safety measures when meeting. Whilst church meetings for worship are exempt from the “rule of six”, we recommend that numbers are limited to six in homes.
We are piloting use of the building for small groups to see if we can offer this to homegroups.
As a church, we can provide you with the latest guidance for safe meeting.
These guidelines are in place to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. We very much look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you soon.
Every blessing
Ministers, Leadership Team and Staff