We are delighted that on 30th January Rev Gary Townsend was licensed to the Benefice of Mereworth, Wateringbury and West Peckham.

The good news is that the church is once again open for Sunday Services.  Sadly we still have to comply with Covid Regulations.  It is important that those hoping to attend a service notify their wish by emailing before 2pm on the prior Saturday to  office@wateringburychurch.org.uk  /  01622 813852.  See below for full details.

To date we have been able to work out a seating plan to socially distance each household wishing to attend but we may not always be able to seat safely all who would like to come and we would hate to have to turn anyone away at the door!   As before face masks must be worn and singing is not allowed but the organist will play hymns and music at the beginning and end of the service.  When booking is confirmed an up-to-date protocol will be sent.

Despite all this Wateringbury’s warm welcome will await you and our new vicar Rev Gary Townsend is looking forward to meeting everyone in person.

25th April 10am Communion Service in church with Rev Gary Townsend

2nd May  –  10am – Matins with Barry Fisher

9th May  –  10am – Communion for Rogation with Canon Brian Stevenson

On Rogation Sunday we ask God’s Blessing on our food crops, that the harvest may be plentiful.

16th May  –  10am – All Age Worship

23rd May  –  10am – Communion for Pentecost with Rev Gary

Pentecost  (Whitsun) is regarded as the birthday of the church when we celebrate God sending his Holy Spirit (His Power) to His followers

 30th May  –  10am – Trinity Sunday Benefice Service at Wateringbury church with Rev Gary Townsend

When there is a fifth Sunday in the month the Benefice take the opportunity to worship together with only one service in the benefice on that day.  This month it is Wateringbury’s turn to host the service.

6th June  –  10am – Morning Praise with Barry Fisher

Our short on-line worship will still be available every week for you to enjoy at http://tiny.cc/krymmz

Our weekly service lasts for approximately 20 minutes and consists of opening and closing hymns played on our church organ, a bible reading, prayers and a reflection.  It is available at any time.

Please read the following guidance for coming to a service at

St. John the Baptist Church.

The following information is designed to keep everyone safe, and is in line with the guidance from the Government and the Church of England.
  • Please maintain social distancing rules at all times and be guided by the sidesperson on duty as to when it is safe to enter or leave church.
  • Please use the hand sanitiser provided, or your own, as you enter and leave church.
  • Face masks or coverings MUST now be worn inside the church.
  • When you have collected your service booklet etc, a sidesperson will guide you to your allocated seat. Once in your seat please remain there for the service and do not change seats.
  • To minimise any spread of infection, please try where possible, not to touch the surfaces in church as you enter or leave the building. If you use a walking aid/stick please keep it with you at all times.
  • Please fill out the contact form below. As you leave church please place it along with your service booklet and pen in the box at the back of church.
  • The communion, at the present time, is in one kind only (a wafer). These will be given to each communicant, without words being spoken by either the priest or communicant. If you wish to receive a communion wafer please cup your hands together when you reach the priest.  Please remain in your seat until directed by the church warden/steward. 
  • At the end of the service please exit when invited to do so. Do not linger in church but leave immediately.
  • So that people can leave safely and with the correct social distancing measures, please do not gather outside the door but move onto the grass areas to keep the path clear so that those leaving the church grounds can do so and still maintain social distancing. Do please feel free to gather outside at a safe distance, to talk to each other whilst being mindful of those around you.

THE CHURCH OF St John the Baptist, Wateringbury

 NHS Test & Trace Programme

 Consent form for places of worship and those handling sensitive information

 Event: Sunday Service

 Building: St John the Baptist, Wateringbury

 Date:

 Time at which the building was being used for this event: 10:00 – 11:00

In order to support the NHS Test and Trace programme, we are taking contact details (name and telephone number) for all visitors entering and leaving the church of St John the Baptist, Wateringbury.

In line with guidance issued by the Department for Health and Social Care, we will keep your details safely and in compliance with GDPR legislation.

We will keep your details for as long as NHS Test & Trace is in use.  After that they will be securely disposed of.  We will only share your details with NHS Test and Trace if they are needed to help stop the spread of coronavirus.  We will not use your details for any other purposes or pass them on to anyone else.

If you attend any subsequent services we will ask you to sign a register on arrival so that we have a record of your attendance.  Thank you for your understanding.

Please complete the following form: 

Name
Tel. No
Signature
Date

Share
Share on Tumblr