Message from Revd Simon Cash
Apologies for sending you this message so late in the day, but I wanted to make you aware of where we are up to in terms of the possibility of reopening the church buildings as we approach Holy Week and Easter.
I have been monitoring the levels of Covid infection in Kirklees in recent weeks in the hope that these would have dropped to such an extent that we could have taken a view that had infection rates fallen sufficiently we could have reopened safely for worship this coming weekend (Palm Sunday). As it is, rates were falling, although they remained among the highest in the country per 100,000 people and then since the weekend rates have increased by some 10%. It is for this reason, therefore, that regrettably I need to make you aware that our buildings will remain closed for public worship at least now until after Easter.
I realise that this will be a disappointment for many of you and I recognise that this will be the 2nd Easter that we have not been able to meet together to celebrate the risen Lord. That said I do feel that everyone’s safety and wellbeing remains my priority.
However, despite the disappointing news I am pleased to be able to tell you that during Holy Week we shall be holding a short reflection each evening at 6-30pm Monday to Thursday and that this can be accessed live on Facebook. In addition there will be a service of Holy Communion at 7-30pm on Maundy Thursday again online followed on Good Friday by a reflection at 2pm. Please look out for further information about a joint Churches Together event on Easter Saturday evening and I do hope you will join us on Easter Day at 10-30am as we meet online to celebrate our risen Lord.
Can I thank you for your continued understanding and forbearance. I am hoping that subject to the government roadmap running to schedule we should be able to reopen by Sunday 18th April. I will however continue to keep you informed.
With God’s blessing to you all
Yours in Christ
Simon
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Revd Simon A Cash, Team Rector, Dewsbury Team Parish
Area Dean, Dewsbury & Birstall Deanery
Tel: 01924 465491
Mob: 07769262754
