Dear Friends,

We have now started back worshipping in the church and, so far, everything has gone well.

We began with a couple of services on Thursdays and then moved to Sundays    Our numbers have been below our maximum limit of 45, with the highest number attending being 35.   The last thing we would wish to do is to turn people away and therefore the booking system is essential and has been working fine so far.

Personally, I found it quite an emotional experience being back in church for worship after such a long time and to be able to see some of you again was lovely.  Of course, we cannot enjoy our fellowship in the usual way and the absence of singing is strange.  But I have been showing video clips of hymn singing at worship services and this seems to have been appreciated.

I would like to thank all of the team who have worked hard to ensure that the church was ready for returning to worship.  They have done an excellent job.

The services are being streamed live on our church Facebook page and you can then watch the recording on the page and there is also a link on our web site.

The Aberdeen West services will be continuing for the time being and I hope you enjoyed the recent Harvest Thanksgiving service, which included a clip of some of our Instant Neighbour volunteers on duty at the weekly drop off.  It takes place every Monday from 11am – 12noon and 7.00pm – 7.30pm.

Remembrance Sunday will be very different this year.  Given the restrictions on numbers, my thinking is that we will have perhaps just one or two representatives from the organisations which  normally attend in large numbers.    I am waiting for more information about what is allowed to happen for the service at the War Memorial and you should check our web site for updates on that.

Please note that the church office will continue to be closed and so do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.  Please also get in touch if you have any pastoral needs or know of someone who does.

I hope that as we move into the winter, you will keep well as we continue to get through this challenging time together.

With all best wishes

John Ferguson

What Can I Expect When I Return to Church?

We have outlined below how we shall have to operate to comply with the Church of Scotland regulations, which have been set out to conform with the Scottish Government requirements.

• A maximum of 45 people will be allowed in the church to ensure we maintain safe physical distancing. This number includes the minister, stewards, organist and projector operator. This figure may be less, it depends on how many people attend individually and in family groups.
• Due to the restriction on numbers in the church you will have to reserve a place for Sunday services. This can be done by telephoning the Church Office on 01224 735845 or emailing secretary@culterkirk.co.uk by Friday at 12 noon. If there is no place available for the next Sunday, you will be placed on the reservations list for the following Sunday.  If there is no answer on the office phone, please leave a message.
• Names and contact numbers will be recorded and retained for 28 days for Test and Protect requirements. All data will be held in accordance with date protection laws and destroyed after the 28 day period.
• We are asking that you please wear a face mask or face covering in the church – this is mandatory.
• You will be required to sanitise your hands before entering and on leaving the church.
• You may have to queue along the front of the church, maintaining physical distancing before being invited to enter.
• The doors will be remaining open until the service starts to reduce touch points.
• You will be shown to your seat to ensure physical distancing and all seats will have been sanitised before the service.
• Please remain in your allocated seat and, at the end of the service, please remain seated until a steward indicates you may leave
• There will be no singing.
• All bibles and hymn books have been removed from the chairs.
• A collection plate will be available at the door as you enter.
• There will be no teas/coffees following the service.