In light of the rapid spread of the new variant of the Covid-19 virus, the United Reformed Church (URC) Synod Moderators provide updated advice to churches.

This advice is as follows:

Since our last guidance was issued (October 2020) it is clear that the new variant of the virus has caused a rapid and alarming increase in coronavirus infections. In light of this, the URC Synod Moderators strongly recommend that churches should cease to meet for in-person worship and move exclusively to online or paper-based worship material.

As part of its focus on supporting children under five years old, the United Reformed Church (URC) Children’s and Youth Work Department has created an inclusive policy to support parents and carers bringing infants to local churches.

Dr Sam Richards, United Reformed Church Head of Children’s and Youth Work, uses Matthew 2:9-11 to reflect on the feast day of Epiphany and discuss how despite the pandemic we can still affirm one another.

“…. The star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:9-11 RVSA