Newmilns Loudoun

Profile

COVID Protection:

Worship (in places of worship including grounds under jurisdiction of Kirk Session)

Places of Worship must close for worship and private prayer. All worship must be moved online. Baptisms and Ordinations may not take place.

Funerals and Weddings

20 person limit for funerals. Post-funeral gatherings not permitted.
Five person limit for weddings (which includes the couple, witnesses and celebrant), or six if an interpreter is required. No wedding receptions.

Outdoor live events (including outdoor worship)

Outdoor live events (including outdoor worship) are NOT permitted
Outdoor events or Drive in events are NOT permitted

Singing

Congregational singing should not be a part of a worship service (indoors or outdoors) with the exception of a solo singer where essential to the act of worship as per worship section of 'Reshaping Church Life' Guidance

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care Visits should only take place where someone's wellbeing is at risk, including those who are isolated. Most visits should be moved online or via telephone calls. Extreme care should be taken if a visit is to take place in people's homes, churches or manses and all relevant health guidance should be followed in line with 'Reshaping Church Life' Guidance. If visiting in a person's home no other household should be present.

Support Services

Support Groups and One to One supports should be delivered remotely. Only essential group and individual in person services are permitted. An essential support group is one where participants' health (including mental health) and wellbeing would be significantly impacted by non-attendance.

Church Offices and Workplaces

Hospitality

Church Cafés (Regulated) must remain closed for consumption on premises but takeaway permitted
Informal Hospitality (Teas and coffees after services or during groups) is not permitted.

Socialising

Face Coverings

Face coverings must be worn by all within a place of worship with relevant exemptions in place. For current exemptions visit the Scottish Government website.

Travel and Transport

You can only leave your home (or garden) if you have a reasonable excuse.
No non-essential travel into or out of the enhanced level 4 area but exemptions apply for travel for work, education, essential shopping, health etc; outdoor exercise; weddings and funerals; and transit through restricted areas.
Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible.
No use of public transport
Churches should not offer lifts or transport schemes to individuals, for example, to worship or vaccination appointments.

Schools (and school chaplaincy)

Schools only open to in-person learning of children of key workers and vulnerable children with remote learning for all others. School chaplains may play a part in school life remotely.

Youth work

Sunday Schools and Bible Classes are NOT permitted to run.
Formal youth work as defined in 'Reshaping Church Life' Guidance should move online with only face to face with maximum one young person for the most vulnerable young people

Early learning and childcare (ELC) (formal childcare)

Church nurseries (if regulated by Care Commission) can only open for children of key workers and vulnerable children and advice from Local Authority should be sought

Unregulated Children's Activities

Youth clubs, carer and toddler groups and similar are not permitted to meet indoors.

Sport and Exercise Classes

Visitor Attractions