19th March 2020 - Closure of First Church due to coronavirus pandemic

I attach an email sent to the General Committee regarding the necessary closure of First Church

When I spoke to the congregation on Sunday, I said that we would be monitoring the coronavirus situation and that things could change on an almost daily basis. This has come to be. The change in Government advice on Tuesday 17th March was quickly followed by statements from the Church of England, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Church of Ireland who closed every congregation within their respective denominations with immediate effect.

The statement from the Moderator and Clerk has strongly urged us to do likewise. This is also in line with the medical advice and so we will be closing the church as from today. As new information comes forth we will obviously continually review the situation, but as things stand at present it is anticipated that we will be closed for a number of weeks at least.

This is not the preferred decision but in some respects it is an easy one. The unknown nature of this virus and the evidence thus far that it effects older people disproportionately means that we must put the health and wellbeing of our congregation first. While the church remains closed there will be a short service available on our Facebook page at 10.30am each Sunday. I will also be keeping in phone contact with the congregation, especially those who are vulnerable or who have underlying health conditions. I am in the process of writing to those on the List of Members who are not on Facebook or email to explain what is happening and also to give them my contact details in case they need help with groceries, prescriptions, and things like that.

This is an unprecedented situation and for many people there is an element of real fear for what might happen. We all hope that it is resolved as soon as possible.

Yours,

Rev Simon Henning