Weekly Services

We will continue to bring you weekly worship services in the form of a ‘Virtual Service’, now that in-church worship has once again been curtailed. The service will be recorded and made available online to watch using a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. Each service will last around 30-45 minutes. These will be available usually from Saturday evening. They can be viewed at any time, but we hope you can join us for all or some of these services at around 11am each Sunday morning. We can all feel togetherness as a part of our church communities as we view together.  Access the latest service from the link below (and some previous ones if you missed them, from the ‘Virtual Services Archive’ menu above). 

Church opening dates around Covid19 infection rate concerns

Crosshouse Church originally reopened for Sunday Worship at 11am on Sunday 20th September. That Sunday was our first day back in church for Sunday Morning Worship since early March when we all went into ‘lockdown’ due to the Covid19 Pandemic. Thirty people attended, including the minister. While the church was permitted to open, numbers attending stayed fairly constant at around thirty. Everyone felt safe and well looked after, adhering to all the protective guidance around Covid19.  

Sadly, in mid December, the Covid19 infection rate is once again on the rise. The decision has therefore been taken to once again close temporarily for in-church worship. Initially, this was to be from Christmas week through to 10th January. However, Covid cases continue to rise and strict lockdown measures have been imposed, which means we cannot reopen until at least February. It seems likely that, even then, we will likely not be able to reopen.

Thus, no services will be held in church, but will continue online until further notice.

Subject to prevailing restrictions, we hope to reopen perhaps in mid to late February. This is, however, a very tentative date.

                             

We are very conscious that a high proportion of our congregation are in the more vulnerable groups, many have been ‘shielding’. We therefore ask that those who attend Sunday Worship adhere to all Covid19 precautions to minimise physical contact with others and maximise the safety of everyone.

What the in church service looks like (when we can be there!). Here are some of the factors:

1. The Government has stated that opening will have strict numbers limits imposed – with adherence to 2m distancing rules, our church can accommodate a maximum of 47. We are required to record names and contact details for all who attend, for tracing in the event someone subsequently tests positive for Covid19. This record will be held securely and destroyed after 21 days. Unfortunately, if too many people arrive, we will have no option but decline entry after the 47 places have been taken.

2. The 2m distancing rule means that our 47 people maximum will be scattered over the entire church.  Those from a single household can, of course, sit together. With the 2m distancing rule, that will affect seat availability and will be dealt with as required on a Sunday morning.
   
3. It will a mandatory requirement to wear face masks while in the church buildings.
   
4. Significantly, no singing will be permitted.
5. We will have a variety of items to replace hymn singing, such as video clips, recorded hymns, organ playing…..The service will be shorter, 45min maximum.
   

6. Prayers and sermon by the minister will likely remain much the same as we have always known, with variations to fit the new service format.
7. The Sacrament of Communion cannot take its usual form because no sharing or distribution of bread and wine will be permitted.
8. Lingering inside or outside the church for a chat will not be permitted. Current Government restrictions permit only two households up to a maximum of six people meeting socially. Remember all these rules and restrictions are to minimise close contact with others to keep everyone safe from Covid19 infection.
9.  For the time being, there can be no ‘teas and coffees’ after the service