3 steps down, 2 more to go, in the governments 4-step roadmap to normality. Yes, I’m aware that my maths teacher would have a problem with that last sentence, but I can’t help but feel that the return of the rule of 6 or two households on March 29^th was significant enough to be a step all by itself.

On May 17^th we may get a bit more freedom as the earliest date for step 3 rolls around. Larger groups outside and the re-opening of some inside venues. Then step 4 – the one we’re all waiting for – at the earliest, June 21^st.

Step 4 is supposed to mark the great return to normality. But what will normal be like? Will it be the old normal or will it be a completely new type of normal?

Will we be able to hug or shake hands? Will we still have to carefully count numbers when we organise something social to stay within the law? Will we still have to wear a face covering or can we smile at each other again and see it?

Recently our Prime Minister was asked to clarify some of the measures that may come into force or remain with us as we enter step 4 on the road map. It was clear from his reply that it’s too early to say. At the moment we just don’t know.

Like many groups in the town, we are trying to plan for the future without really knowing what the future will be like. It’s not the easiest way to do things.

In any ‘normal’ week – do you remember what that was like? – we’d have various clubs and groups running for people of different ages. We’d love to be starting them back up again. Yet, at the moment it’s too early to say with any degree of certainty when or how we might do that.

But I do want to let you know that we are preparing to open the doors again for our 10am Sunday morning service from the point we go into step 3, hopefully from Sunday May 23^rd. If you want to come along and join us as we worship God together it would be great to see you. If you feel that you can’t come come out in person, we will continue to live stream the services on our YouTube channel so you can still join with us there.

For more details about our services and the measures we’re putting in place to be covid secure please click here.

Praying you all keep safe and well.