Can anyone attend a service at St Mary’s?
Yes, subject to seating being available, and you would be made most welcome.
I intend to attend regularly, what do I need to do?
If you haven’t received an email from Nerys asking about your preferences, please get in touch with her on rector @ stmarysdunblane.org
I am not a regular attender, what do I need to do?
During the week before the service, you need to get in touch with Sue on services @ stmarysdunblane.org with your contact details indicating which service you wish to attend so that we can be sure there will be a place for you.
What if I just turn up?
If there is a spare place, you will be asked to complete a form giving your contact details for NHS Test & Protect. This information will be held by the Rector for 21 days.
When should I arrive?
The building will be open 10 minutes before the start of the service. You may need to queue outside for a little. Please make sure that you socially distance while you wait.
What happens as I enter the building?
A welcomer will greet you outside the door and check your name on the list of attenders. You will need to wear a face mask inside the building. You will be asked to sanitise your hands and pick up your service sheet.
Where will I sit?
You will be directed to a seat by a second welcomer. The pews furthest from the door will be filled first. Every other pew will be taped off so that there will be a space of 2 metres behind and in front of you. If you have come on your own you will share a pew with one other person or couple, sitting 2 metres apart. If you have come as part of a larger social bubble you can sit together in a pew. You will be asked to stay seated throughout the service.
What if I need to use the disabled entrance?
Just let Sue know and we will make the necessary arrangements. There is a space for a wheelchair towards the front of the church and towards the back.
What about children?
Children of all ages are welcome to attend. They will need to sit with the rest of their household. An activity pack will be provided for them, to be collected on your way in. Please indicate the ages of the children when you contact Sue. In addition, we hope to have outside activities for children and their families after the 10:30am service.
What will the service be like?
The Morning Service at 10:30am will feel very familiar to anyone who has attended the Eucharist at St Mary’s, with readings, a short sermon, prayers and hymns played on the organ or by the band (but not sung). The Night Service at 8pm will be more quiet and reflective with candlelight, times of silence, short readings and prayers.
What about music?
There will be organ music most Sundays at the Morning Service and the band will sometimes play. We are not allowed to sing together but we can listen to hymns or songs being played and follow the words on the service sheet. At the Night Service we will listen to recordings of chants and other meditative music.
Will there be a collection?
There will be a plate at the back of church for you to leave an offering if you wish but we would prefer you to donate by BACS or by standing order or direct debit, if possible. For details, please contact Alastair at treasurer @ stmarysdunblane.org
Will the service be filmed?
We hope that this will be possible and that those who can’t attend will be able to watch the morning service live at home. At the moment, we only have one static camera, which will aim to give a good view of those taking part in the service. We hope to be able to broadcast the service on Facebook Live, which can be easily accessed via our Facebook page and will hopefully appear on your ‘home’ screen if you follow St Mary’s on Facebook. (If you need help to set this up, please contact Nerys.) This is a new initiative for St Mary’s and we would be interested in hearing any feedback you have so that we can make improvements in the weeks and months ahead.
What about communion?
The Eucharist will continue to be celebrated by the Rector every Sunday morning at 8:30am. As soon as all the church family are able to receive communion either in church or at home we will resume Eucharistic services.
What if I need to go to the toilet?
The toilet in the church (through the door to the Vestry) will be available. Please lower the seat before you flush. It will be cleaned straight after the service.
What happens at the end of the service?
Please stay in your seats until you are invited to leave by a welcomer. The pews nearest the main door will be emptied first. Please take your service sheet with you. Once you’re out of the building, please don’t cluster around the main doors of the church. Sadly, we are unable to provide refreshments at this stage.
What if I need to speak to a priest?
Whoever is leading the service will be around outside at the end of the service, weather permitting. You are always welcome to phone the Rectory on 824225 or send Nerys an email on rector @ stmarysdunblane.org to make an arrangement to see her another time.
How is the church prepared for the Night Service?
After the Morning Service, the occupied pews will be wiped with detergent and closed off and the unoccupied pews will be opened ready for the Night Service. All surfaces which may have been touched will be cleaned. In addition, Carol, the church cleaner, will give the church building a thorough clean every Thursday afternoon.
What provision is there for those who can’t attend services?
Every Saturday, Material for Worship is sent to those on the congregational email list and distributed to those not online. It contains the readings for the day, a reflection and a prayer. If you wish to receive this regularly, please contact Nerys. We are also hoping to livestream the Morning Service. This will be accessible from our Facebook page. The live broadcast will continue to appear on the St Mary’s Facebook Timeline after the event so you will still be able to watch the service later in the day if you are not able to tune in at 10:30am.
Can I come into the church building at any other time?
Yes, the church will be open every Wednesday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm. Revd. Peter Potter will be on hand to welcome you. Face masks will need to be worn.
What about weddings and baptisms?
Yes, they are possible in Phase 3 with limited numbers and safety measures in place. Speak with Nerys if you would like to know more.
