Here is an update on the proposed re-opening of our Boothville Congregation, which had been originally planned to be this coming Sunday (16th August)
Dear all,
I hope this finds you safe and well. What trying and ever-changing times we are living through.
Mary, David, John, Precious and the trustees of Boothville Hall have worked so hard to get things ready for us to be able to gather together when it is safe to do so. I am so thankful to all of them. Risk Assessments, Action Plans and all other documents are in place so that when it is safe to do so, we will be able to get going straight away.
Sadly that will not be this Sunday August 16th. The advice locally in Northampton Borough remains as it has for the last few weeks that people from different households do not meet together indoors. It is important to me that we as Christians, whilst holding firm to our faith and trust in God, also live and worship in a way which sets a good example for those around us. It would not be appropriate for us to disregard the current advice. On this basis, Bishop Donald has strongly advised (he does not dictate) that those churches that are not yet gathering physically hold off doing so for a few more weeks. We have waited to see whether the advice has changed and as it has not, postponing re-opening from this week is the only option we have. The Re-opening Team for our Group of Churches (myself, Linda Withers, John, Mike and Rachel) will have this continually under review and we will do our absolute utmost to open Boothville as soon as we are advised to do so.
I realise this will be disappointing news. I am as keen as many of you are to see us physically gathered and worshipping God together again as soon as we possibly can. I have consulted with a good number of people and must apologise to Mary as she and I have not been able to talk due to her being on holiday. I’ll re-iterate that this decision will be under regular review and, if and when advice changes from Council and Church, we will modify our position and start meeting together as soon as we are able to. I won’t give a definitive date by which we will be meeting face-to-face as it is impossible to guarantee at present.
In the meantime, I hope those of you who are able to are finding our online worship helpful. Be assured of my prayers for you all and for your families and loved ones too.
Every blessing to you all.
Haydon
