Dear Friends,

With the announcement of more areas of the country being placed under the Tier 4 COVID restrictions and rates of infection beginning to rise again across Greater Manchester we have been considering the situation with regards to public worship in the New Year and have shared our thoughts with Standing Committee.

Our main concerns are twofold: firstly to protect the vulnerable members of our congregation but secondly, to protect Calum. Calum has, over a sustained period of nine months with no real break to speak of put in an inordinate amount of work and number of hours to ensure that as a community we were able to continue to worship be it from home with online services or in church in a COVID safe manner. He has brought innovation and creativity in delivering services ensuring that as far as possible everyone can participate in whatever way they wish. He has also conducted a huge number of funerals in very difficult circumstances. We should remember that we have been very fortunate as we were one of first churches that reopened for public worship in August.

In discussion with Standing Committee we have therefore taken the very difficult decision to close the church for public worship for the month of January both in anticipation of further restrictions; but also to give Calum a well-earned break and some time to recharge his batteries.

We hope that you will appreciate the reasons for this decision which has not been taken lightly but we have a duty to protect the health and well-being of all you as well as that of Calum. During this time, the church will still be available for funerals as needed and for individual prayer. We will confirm the details of times for private prayer in St Michaels Today. There will be some form of worship published online each Sunday, where folk have been asked to do readings in the January rota, they will be asked if they would be happy to be involved in the digital services.

We understand that some of you may not be happy with this decision but feel that it is the right one to make for the current situation.

Sunday 27th will therefore be the last service in December and we will reopen, restrictions allowing, for public worship on Sunday 7th February.

If you have any concerns with this decision please don’t hesitate to contact us on wardens@bramhall.church. Wish you and your family a very joyful and peaceful Christmas.

Kind regards,

Louise Richardson & David Walker

Churchwardens