We are delighted to announce that St Mary’s is once again open for limited Sunday worship!

At this time we will be offering a weekly said communion service on Sundays at the new time of 9:30am.  To ensure the safety of our congregation and clergy we only have limited spaces available to maintain social distancing.  Therefore we are asking the congregation to pre-book with the church office by emailing admin@stmaryschurchbideford.org or by phoning the office on 01237 474078.  We are also asking all those who attend a Sunday service to ensure that they wear a face mask whilst inside the church to respect the safety of others.

Anyone who is symptomatic of Corona Virus should not come to the service, even if they have pre-booked, and should seek medical advice whilst self-isolating.

The advice remains for those who are shielding or who are over 70 to avoid returning to church, but we will leave individuals to make their own choices.  Digital services will continue on YouTube which you can find by clicking this link.  We do not wish for anyone to feel pressured to return to St Mary’s just because the doors are open again.

If you would like us to pray for you do let us know on either

01237 475765 (Rev’d Claire) or

01237 239339 (Rev’d Marisa)

There are useful resources for prayer and reflection in these exceptional times on the Church of England website and on the Exeter Diocese website.

If you need a chat, prayer or help with shopping, prescriptions etc please e-mail admin@stmaryschurchbideford.org or clairerc@btopenworld.com.

Or call Revd Claire 01237 475765 or our Pastoral Care Co-ordinator, Lorna Dorrinton, 01237 477117 and for the Villages Revd Marisa 01237 239339

If you are self-isolating or unwell, the following may be helpful…

Simple Acts of Worship For Those Unable to Attend Church

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_devon

And finally, a prayer about the Corona Virus outbreak

Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen.