Churches Together in Bishop's Stortford suspends services during coronavirus crisis

Services have been suspended at all of Bishop's Stortford churches to protect congregations from the coronavirus.

Co-ordinated action is being taken by Churches Together Bishop's Stortford, which represents neighbouring Windhill churches St Michael's and St Joseph's, Holy Trinity and the Methodist Church in South Street, the United Reformed Church in Water Lane, All Saints at Hockerill and the Baptist Church at Twyford Road, Methodist.

It also includes Bishop's Stortford Community Church at the Charis Centre in Water Lane, the Salvation Army, Havers Community Church, the Vineyard Church which meets at Birchwood High School, the Hub Church in Portland Road and St James the Great at Thorley.

Representatives met at the start of the week and decided that some churches would be able to remain open as a place of prayer and contact, but with signage reminding visitors to remain the Government's recommended two metres apart.

In line with advice from Westminster, no public worship will take place until further notice, but some churches will explore other ways of sharing their ministry, such as streaming online.

No pastoral visits will be made to those who are self-isolating because of the Covid-19 contagion, but they will be offered telephone support.

A helpline for the very elderly and vulnerable is being considered and all of the churches have pledged to pray at an agreed time each day on issues of concern.