Lossiemouth Church of Scotland

The Church of Scotland Manse, Lossiemouth, 23 July 2020

Dear Friends,

We have reached Phase 3 of the Scottish Government’s Route Map from Lockdown and I’m sure you are aware that church buildings are now permitted to re-open under certain strict conditions.

It is important to make the distinction between permissive legislation and the ability to open safely and it is clear that no church building may re-open unless Presbytery is satisfied that the church is ready to do so safely.

This will result in

• a significant reduction in capacity for all church buildings,
• thorough health and safety interventions which include a prohibition on singing, and
• considerable demands on volunteers to ensure adequate disinfecting and cleaning.

The Kirk Sessions of St. James’ and St. Gerardine’s High have met independently…

…twice, in June and July, to consider if re-opening the buildings is possible at this time.

As we have all been missing times of fellowship together and with no prospect of a return to meetings in our buildings in the near future, Rev. Geoff McKee thought it would be good to offer a short online fellowship option.

Our first meeting took place on 20 May 2020 at 7:00pm.

It involved some of the elders, managers, board members, members and adherents of St Gerardine’s High Church and St James’ Church.

The meeting included some prayers, a Bible reading and some devotional thoughts – and a bit of a chat.

The plan is to continue the meetings every Wednesday evening with further readings from 1 John.

If you would like to join us for these meetings, get in touch with Geoff via gmckee@churchofscotland.org.uk or send an Online Enquiry on this website.

1 John 1:1-4 (New International Version)
The Incarnation of the Word of Life
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our[a] joy complete.

Grampian Coronavirus (COVID-19) Assistance Hub…

…is a website that has been set up to be a focal point for information and assistance for anyone affected by coronavirus anywhere in Grampian. There, you can find the services you need or links to information from across the area.

Access the website by CLICKING HERE.

Via the website, anyone can register (as an individual, as opposed to as an organisation) as a volunteer to help with the needy / self-isolating, or anyone in need to contact them as a central point. They would then contact a volunteer who lived close by to help with shopping or picking up medication for example.

The link again is HERE.

With the Covid-19 outbreak now affecting all aspects of daily life, the Church of Scotland’s guidance is that we have to cancel all services and meetings at St James’ until further notice.

It’s not our intention to ‘close down’ or turn our gaze inwards. Please get in touch with us if you need help. You can send a message via this website or via our Facebook page.

We remember Jesus’ words and the hope we have in Him:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 New International Version

For reasons you will immediately understand, a number of regular events – and some special events – in the Church are having to be postponed and rearranged.

Quiz Night – 21st March 2020

This has been postponed to a date still to be fixed.

Singing groups

Rehearsals for the Praise Group and the Lossie Singers have been suspended until further notice. We are still holding Sunday services at St James’ at 10:00am, as usual, and Praise Group / Choir rehearsals will take place in the Church immediately before morning service from 9:30am each week.

Bi-weekly Wednesday drop-in

The Drop-in is also now on hold until further notice.

We are sorry it has been necessary to take these precautionary measures and we hope you will agree that they are sensible in the circumstances.