Sunshine and deckchairs – Sunday service in the church grounds

Posted on 6th August 2020 in News, Connect

The parishioners at St Matthew’s in Wookey have been unable to celebrate together in person since lockdown began, but on Sunday, in glorious sunshine, they brought their own chairs, safely socially distanced, and enjoyed a service outside in the church grounds. Though St Matthew’s has been conducting online services via Zoom, coming together in person, was wonderful, says Malcolm Dowson, the Church Warden.

“St Matthew’s relies mostly on retired people to help with things like cleaning. So it has been difficult to find a way to open the church building. It has unfortunately been closed since lockdown restrictions were first introduced. The outdoor service was a great idea, it reduced the risk and got around the problem of cleaning. It was such a lovely way to get people back to church.”

42 people came along on Sunday, which is slightly more than St Matthew’s would have on a normal Sunday. Malcolm thinks, “perhaps those people who would like a spiritual uplift, but aren’t always comfortable in the church building, were happy to come along to something outside the building.”

Before the service began, the congregation listened to the Sunday Show on Glastonbury FM, presented by Keith Trask, who broadcast live to those gathered outside via the PA system.