As of Thursday, 13th January 2021, public worship at St Giles with St Mary’s (in the Benefice of Pontefract) has been suspended for a specified period. This will be reviewed by 7th February 2021. Livestreaming of services from St Giles will continue.
A communication from the Standing Committee of the St Giles PCC which met again on Tuesday 12th January 2021.
In the previous two lockdowns, we have been required to close for public worship. This time we are permitted to remain open, within a climate of strong directives to ‘stay home’ except for the specific purposes that the government permits. Given the above, and with right concerns for the well-being of our volunteers, we have needed to think again about the implications of inviting people to come to worship in a building with multiple other people, however robust our safety procedures, when the government is saying “stay at home”. Additionally, we are being asked not to travel outside our local area, and to restrict ourselves to meeting outside with only one person from outside our household.
There are of course clear benefits to people’s wellbeing when they can attend public worship, and receive Holy Communion: being together in church, even if under very restricted forms of communication and fellowship has immense value. So, any decision to temporarily remove this, comes with a very heavy heart indeed.
In the light of the above, the standing committee has decided to suspend public worship for the time being. This will be reviewed no later than 7th February with the hope that we might be able to worship again in church on Ash Wednesday (17th February). However, any change in local or national guidance would lead to a review at any point before or after that date. The Prime Minister has indicated that mid-February may bring a relaxation of lockdown, so Ash Wednesday (17th February) may be a good point to aim for any resumption of public worship. But there are no guarantees this time frame can be met.
After Wednesday 13th January 2021, we will remain open solely for:
- Private prayer on Wednesdays from 10.00-11.30am
- Citizens Advice Bureau on Wednesdays from 10.00am-12.00pm (a call back service only)
- Lunch with Us (takeaway service) between 12.00-1.00pm
- Funerals (maximum 30 people)
- Weddings (6 maximum)
- Baptisms when public worship resumes
Mass on Wednesdays (9.30am) and Sundays (10.15am) will be livestreamed on our Facebook page from church, along with weekly Compline on Thursdays (8.00pm).
Why not join in with the service whilst you are watching it? Just download a copy of the service sheet and join in! The Sunday service sheets are added to the website each week, together with additional information to support you with praying at home. Information can be found within the following sections: News, Epiphany and Worship at Home.
Unable to watch the service live? All the videos remain on our Facebook page so you can watch them at any time.
The church is open for Private Prayer and the lighting of candles, at the following time:
Wednesday: 10.00am – 11.30am
If you need to contact a priest please ring or email:
Canon June Lawson 01977 706803 or vicarofpontefract@gmail.com
Watch Our Services on Facebook
Thinking of visiting St Giles’ Church for the first time? In normal times, we are an open, welcoming and inclusive church and we encourage you to come along and visit our lively and growing congregation in Pontefract.
Under normal circumstances, we hold services at different times throughout the week, so please do come along for a very warm welcome to our family here at the church. Information on our Service times can be found here
