As the Lockdown from the virus is likely to continue for
some time, the Staff Team, the PCCs and I have come to the decision to adopt a
new way of working for the month of May.
In order to take advantage of the Government Employee
Scheme, Andrea, Lisa and Caz will come under the Furlough Scheme for the first
three weeks of May (this has to be three consecutive weeks) and then will work
from home for the last week in order to prepare resources and catch up with
ongoing admin. The Church Offices will
therefore be closed during this time.
All other operations of Church Life and “Church@Home” will
continue however, with Kirsty and myself working throughout. Kirsty will be looking after the technology
side of things and also Love Congresbury and Love Banwell, and I will be trying
support the “Church@Home” ministry and the general Life of the Church. This will enable as much of a reasonable
saving as possible to Church finances at a time when our financial situation is
looking somewhat strained, as it is for so many charities and small organisations.
So, during May:
For all phone messages to do with Church (Banwell or Congresbury) and for community based enquiries (Love Banwell, Love Congresbury or Foodbank) can you please phone the Vicarage on 01934 834945.
For emails
to do with regular Church life, can you please send them to
SAC-Admin@newcreationchurches.org.uk
For Community based enquiries (Love Banwell, Love
Congresbury and Foodbank) and for technology issues for Church@Home, the
website or following Church Services on Live Stream, can you please send them
to kirsty.bowles@newcreationchurches.org.uk
For Pastoral Care, for Church@Home (including issues to do
with our Church@Home Groups), support
for Young People and families, for issues to do with funerals, and wedding and
baptism enquiries please can you send them to me: rev.matt.thomson@newcreationchurches.org.uk
We will review things towards the end of May as to whether
this is a pattern we will continue into June, as with everyone else we await
Government announcements. Can you please
pray for all the Staff, the Wardens, the PCCs, the volunteers, and the Ministry
Team during this time, as they have all worked so incredibly hard and have done
more and beyond as we have sought to support Church Life, Church@Home, and in playing
our part in supporting the wider community.
Thank you. Matt