BENEFICE SERVICE – Chobenefice Website

It must be said that it is still the advice from the government and the Church of England that anyone in a vulnerable group, e.g., over 70 years of age or vulnerable from a pre-existing condition, should not attend gatherings of people, including church services. We cannot guarantee anyone's complete safety, even though we will follow the guidelines for social distancing and hand hygiene.

Face coverings are currently mandatory in places of worship. Please remember that face coverings are mainly intended to protect other people, not the wearer, from coronavirus COVID-19 and that they are not a replacement for physical distancing and regular hand washing.

24th August

What is new is that a small choir is now allowed to sing - this is the new guidance from the C of E’s House of Bishop’s Recovery Group:

"It is now permissible for both professional and non-professional singers and musicians to perform in small groups to people inside and outside of buildings in line with the recommendations for physical distancing and hygiene set out by the Government in their performing arts guidance.
This includes those who regularly volunteer to do music and singing, as part of a choir for example, to perform as a part of worship.

Congregations are still at this time not permitted to sing as part of worship.

Wherever possible people should continue to physically distance from those they do not live with, venues, performers and audiences should be matched to ensure 2m distancing applies and the number of performers should be limited.

Those assisting with worship through music or singing do not always need to wear a face covering, but face coverings or screens should be used if physical distancing cannot be maintained.”

So vocal music can now return to our churches with congregations joining in by quietly speaking the words, Rex Harrison style. It isn’t perfect, but it is progress.

William.