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Dec 2020

Last Updated: 02/12/2020

Community

Nidderdale vicar's plea to parishioners: 'Book early for Christmas'

by Tim Flanagan

| 02 Dec, 2020

Places of worship can re-open today but with Christmas fast approaching and social distancing rules still in force, people are being urged to book places at services as soon as possible.

A Nidderdale vicar has called on parishioners to book early for Christmas services to avoid disappointment.

Places of worship are allowed to re-open today although people can only interact with their households or support bubbles, and must conform to social distancing rules.

With Advent underway and Christmas approaching, many Christians will be keen not to miss out on festive services.

The Rev. Alastair Ferneley, Vicar of Dacre with Hartwith and Darley with Thornthwaite, said the church was keen to offer comfort and joy after such a difficult year but added:

"We do need to maintain social distancing, so it is essential for people to book in advance for most of our services.

"My message is, please book sooner rather than later for the public Christmas services – not just to avoid disappointment, but also to help our planning.

"If it turns out no one wants to come to a particular service we can save a lot of time and effort on decoration, Christingles, heating, etc."

The Rev. Ferneley said churches needed to consider issues such as appropriate seating for families and bubbles. He added:

"Parishioners will need to wear a face covering in church and we are sadly not able to sing as a congregation while inside, though we can offer carols sung by a few socially distanced singers and/or on CD."

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The government has issued new guidance, saying carol singing outside can be part of public worship.

The Rev Ferneley said:

"This is difficult to plan for given the unpredictability of the weather, but we may be able to begin and end services outside so we might have a bit of a sing as part of some of these services.

"We will fully understand if people are not comfortable with coming to services at the moment, which is why we are also offering numerous online alternatives whereby people can join in our Christmas celebrations – either via a live stream or a pre-recorded service."

For further details you can email Alastair Ferneley at irreverend@btinternet.com.

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Nidderdale vicar's plea to parishioners: 'Book early for Christmas'

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