NEWS & NOTICES

Public worship 

Both churches are open for daily worship - see the Services page for details.

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Covid precautions – next steps

The churchwardens, Jan and David, are keeping our Covid precautions under review each week, mindful that infection rates remain high and that some worshippers may be particularly vulnerable. We continue to encourage people to wear face coverings in church and to use the hand sanitiser which is available.

Following the latest review of Covid precautions, the centre aisle pews at the Parish Church have been put back in their normal positions. If you are comfortable with this, it would be great to see them well used, freeing up the pews in the north and south aisles for those who would prefer to remain more socially distanced. If you need help finding a seat where you feel secure, please speak to a Steward. 

The livestreaming team are taking a break. For the future, we are looking at the option of livestreaming regularly once a month, with the possibility of also livestreaming special services at times like Christmas and Easter. Watch out for news of when livestreaming will start again. 

On Sunday 5^th September we start experimenting with congregational singing - with one hymn at the end of the Mass. Face coverings are required but singing is optional.

Our PCC is meeting on 15^th September and will review all our Covid precautions then, thinking about how things might evolve in future. This discussion will include the children's play area and refreshments after services. We are keen to hear what you think. If you have any views or comments, please speak to one of the churchwardens or the PCC secretary, Bob Chaplow, or send them an email by Sunday 12^th September. 

Jan Ralston, email: janralston5@gmail.com

David Richardson, email: dcrwantageparish@gmail.com

Bob Chaplow, email: bob.chaplow@gmail.com

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Ride and Stride

Anticipation for this year’s Ride+Stride mounts, and we are hoping for another bumper year. On Saturday 11^th September from 10am until 6pm you can walk, bike-ride, scoot or buggy-push to visit churches in the area or further afield. Get sponsorship and raise money, half or which goes to the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust (which gives grants for church repairs) and half for our own churches. Alternatively, you can help by welcoming participants into the churches, offering a drink and biscuit, and signing them in.

Simon Jones from Wantage Parish will be participating. Please see our e-newsletter for details of how you can sponsor him.

Education Sunday

Celebrate Education Sunday on 12^th September, run by the Churches of the Ridgeway Benefice, by coming along to St Mary’s, Childrey for an afternoon of readings and art by local school pupils. Starting at 3pm, with refreshments to follow. For more information, see the e-newsletter.

Confirmation

On Sunday 26^th September the Parish Church will welcome the Bishop of Dorchester who will be baptising and confirming candidates from Wantage and The Ridgeway Benefice into the Church of Christ. This will be at the 10.30am mass.

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