Coronavirus: churches in Stamford, Oakham, Uppingham, Bourne and the Deepings hold virtual worship

Following the Government's recent coronavirus guidance churches are operating in a new way.

As Easter approaches, many churches are trying their best to connect with members of their congregations.

Some have already set up online services and are posting sermons, readings and prayers on their websites.

All Saints Church and St John's Church in Stamford do not have a virtual sessions yet, but are reaching worshippers in a different way.

Kate Riley, a volunteer with the Churches Conservation Trust in Stamford. said that they are praying street by street for people's good health during this difficult time as well as keeping in contact to see how people are.

St George's Church in Stamford has set up a YouTube channel through which Sunday services are broadcast, as well as posting daily messages.

Their service on Sunday last week attracted more than 1,300 views despite the congregation normally comprising 500.

Stamford United Reformed Church is also remaining connected with people, with service sheets delivered directly to people who may not have internet, as well as resources being made available on the church website.

Although members of the church will not be together on Easter Sunday, it is planned for them all to sit down for communion at the same time so that they are still 'sharing the bread'.

Despite schools closing to all except children of key workers, staff at Stamford Endowed Schools are keen to carry on with their chapel services online including one on Easter Sunday.

Mark Goodman, chaplain at Stamford Endowed Schools, said: "Through out the entire life of the school - nearly 500 years - prayer, worship and faith is something we have done the entire time."

Here is information on how some of the churches in the area will be operating:

• All Saints Church, Stamford - Readings and prayers can be accessed via their website and have been e-mailed to those on their mailing list.
• St John's Church, Stamford - Readings and prayers have been e-mailed to those on the mailing list.
• St George's Church, Stamford - Resources are available on the website. Virtual services will be posted at 7am every Sunday and daily messages will take place on their YouTube channel.
• St Mary and St Augustine - Online masses and services can be found on the church newsletter. It includes Sunday Mass by Bishop Patrick McKinney in his chapel each Sunday at 10am on YouTube.
• Stamford United Reformed Church - Online service sheet and audio recording on the website. If you cannot access the service sheet and would like a copy call Peter Stephenson on 07972 790483.
• Stamford Endowed Schools' Chapel - Virtual service from the chaplain at 11am using this link.
• Oakham Baptist Church - Messages and services will be posted on their YouTube channel.
• Church of All Saints, Oakham - Booklets for prayer and worship can be downloaded from the website. Sunday Morning Prayer at 10.30am and Evening Prayer at 6pm will take place on their Facebook as well as being available afterwards through the website.
• St Joseph's Catholic Church, Oakham - There will be a live stream of liturgies available on YouTube. Dates and time of the live streamings can be found on the website.
• St Guthlac's Church, Market Deeping - 'Worship at Home' sessions, including morning and night prayers and a Sunday service, can be accessed via the website.
• Deeping Baptist Church, Deeping St James - Bible studies will still be held online and through e-mail. Anyone wishing to get in touch with the church should e-mail deeping_baptist@btinternet.com.
• Priory Church of St James - The church is looking to set up online services; those interested should check the website for updates.
• Bourne Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul - The church hopes to have more information on its website by next week.
• Bourne Baptist Church - A live sermon will take place every Sunday from 10.20am. View the live stream on their Facebook page or listen to the recording afterwards via a link on the website.

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