Few Act
Is Muirkirk Parish Church ready to be one of the few?
F Family
E Entertainment
W Worship
A Accessibility
C Community
T Training
This year Coronavirus has forced churches all over the UK to close and to find new ways of operating.
Even with the lifting of some restrictions, permitting churches to reopen can only be achieved if safety measures are implemented, as documented in the legally required Risk Assessment (R/A).
The Presbytery of Ayr granted Muirkirk Parish Church permission to reopen after the necessary R/A was completed satisfactorily. Initially, this was only for the purpose of private prayer.
However, the person who conducted the R/A has added new digital solutions, from social media platforms to audio-visual presentations that can be played during times when the church is open for private prayer. These can also be saved to DVDs and CDs for anyone who wishes to have a copy to view again, or for those unable to attend in person.
With the announcement that churches may reopen for worship from 15th July 2020, there are still restrictions in place that limit what may take place, and how worship can be conducted. Some of these measures are likely to be in place for a considerable time.
The removal of hymn books and Bibles, as detailed in the R/A, is one restriction, as is the removal of all soft furnishings such as pew cushions.
Limiting visitors who can attend at any one time, currently set at 14, plus 2 stewards and a minister/worship leaderi may require further discussion to promote fairness when it comes to attending worship services. We may need to consider: Need to update R/A about a minister.
a kind of booking system;
holding more than one service if possible;
having our own trained ‘worship team’.
Whatever the future holds, change is inevitable. As long as restrictions remain that affect our churches, we must find new ways to reach out and serve our communities safely. This is where technology can enable churches to remain open, and even broaden our appeal to the wider community.
FEW ACT Explained
FAMILY
Inclusion of the family unit through regular and one-off events.
Offer free Skype to anyone with family abroad, on a big screen. No technical knowledge required. Everything provided.
Sunday School use of large screen TV. Can also add touchscreen technology to improve interaction with children. Compile & provide DVDs for suitable teaching.
ENTERTAINMENT
Christian themed, recent releases, classics/b&w, also Biblical movies offered for no more than a suggested donation to cover heating, etc.
Access for all, regardless of status, age, mobility, etc.
Choice: ability to ask attendees which movies they’d like to see.
Such movies in public domain so no copyright concernsi, however for any movie, including the music contained therein, the PRS for music (church) and PRS for video (church) are available for number 15-49 persons.
WORSHIP
In order to minimise risk of infection(s), hymns and Bible readings can be easily displayed.
Where singing is not advised, instrumental recorded hymns with videos can be used. Or our own organist can play with suitable video content displayed.
If we are struggling to locate an organist, we can use a karaoke type of recording that displays words in time to music. Public domain recordings are exempt from copyright; the music and video PRS licences cover all other content.
Useful to explain stories in the Bible and their relevance today, using reports, illustrations and graphics.
Greater engagement with congregation, understanding of sermons and feedback for ministers / readers.
If no minister is available to attend, choice for congregation to watch a service online from many available.
ACCESSIBILITY
Ramp to access chancel should any minister/elder require this.
Access also useful for congregation / visitors at certain times, such as Christmas, Easter, Baptisms, Weddings or Funerals.
Potential to video services for the housebound / working people who wish to view a recorded version later on a DVD / YouTube.
COMMUNITY
Use of premises by community groups, including the primary school, individuals, even businesses, for a suggested donation to cover any costs.
Encouraging greater involvement in our church life through meaningful activities.
TRAINING
All kinds of training providers (including the Church of Scotland) could benefit from access to such technology, such as Safeguarding Training for those members who do not have access at home for attending webinars, etc. Also for elderly people wishing to get to grips with the internet, or young people needing access to appropriate software to add to their skillsets.