We are so pleased that the proposed lifting of restrictions means our congregations will be able to gather all together again from Sunday 25th July onwards. There will be no more need for ‘gathering groups’ to alternate. No need to pre-book. Instead, all are welcome to turn up and enjoy worshiping together!
We’re conscious that many will be delighted at this – and perhaps feel this is long overdue – while some may still feel anxious about gathering & singing, and others are clinically vulnerable and shielding at home. As has been the case throughout this difficult season, it is important for us under God to seek to love and care for one another in a range of different circumstances as best as we can.
So from Sunday 25th July we are encouraging all those who are able to come back to church weekly.
In our daytime services, the kids summer programme will also begin on this date (details to follow in the weekly email). Please note that while restrictions will be formally lifted, our gatherings will still be fully risk assessed in line with best practice with various safety measures & optional distancing available for any who would appreciate this.
From Sunday 25th we will also take a break from live streaming over the summer.
We are hugely grateful for the many hundreds of hours our small ‘stream team’ have given behind the scenes to provide online services across 4 congregations at 2 temporary venues (setting up and setting down every week for over a year). This has been an enormous effort and very kind provision from God during this season. However, now that restrictions are due to be lifted and in order to give those involved a much-needed rest, we simply won’t have capacity to continue streaming over the summer period (though we are exploring live streaming options in the new building for September).
Positively, we expect the vast majority of our church family will be able and eager to come back in person. Nevertheless, we are deeply aware that a few in our church family are not yet be able to return and so not being able to tune in online over the summer will inevitably be disappointing. We’re really sorry about this. Though it’s not the same, we will provide an audio recording of the sermon on our website and in the weekly email.
As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the comings months together, if you have any questions or concerns about any of this please speak to me or one of the staff or feel free to contact pastors@dundonald.org at any point. Above all, let’s pray: that the Lord would sustain and refresh those of us who are weary, protect the vulnerable and keep us united and hopeful in Christ as we seek to hold out the gospel to our community for the glory of God.
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