St James Church, Stalmine

Hello, and welcome to our website, and to St. James'.  We are an Anglican parish church, situated in the Over Wyre village of Stalmine, about 8 miles north-east of Blackpool.  Our services are spirit-filled, often informal and always friendly, and visitors are always offered a warm welcome.

The Vicar for the five Over Wyre parishes is Father Andy Shaw, to whom enquiries should be directed.

Please see the "Church Activites - Calendar" tab for details of services and other events.  Also, see the "Prayer" tab for details of the monthly prayer diary.

 

In 2007, the church building was extended, and we now have much more space that includes a parish office, kitchen, toilets, larger meeting rooms and extra facilities for our young people. There is a crèche in church, a loop system, a good sound system and  a video projector screen. We are child- and wheelchair-friendly and have extra facilities for those with special needs, such as disabled toilets and ramps.  We have recently re-carpeted and redecorated the main meeting room, and provided it with new chairs, so it is looking really smart.

The village Post Office operates from the Parish Office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays (apart from Bank Holidays.)

We hope you find this web site interesting and helpful, and enjoy learning more about our church and area.  Come and join us, you are most welcome.  (If, in your view, the web site could be improved, please let us know!)

        

With every blessing in the name of Jesus.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic#section4

 

The following is based on guidance received from HM Government and the Church of England (nationally and locally).  I must stress that this is based on current information, in a constantly changing environment, so changes may be necessary, possibly at short notice.  The cleaning that will be done and the instructions set out below and opposite will reduce the risk of infection but I must stress that we cannot make our churches completely risk free.  By entering the church you are accepting that risk.

FACE COVERINGS

The wearing of face coverings within all places of worship is now mandatory by law, except for the very young, and those with particular medical conditions.  Remember that they are mainly intended to protect other people, not the wearer, from coronavirus COVID-19 and that they are not a replacement for physical distancing and regular hand washing.  Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

PRIVATE PRAYER

The parish churches in Pilling, Preesall, Stalmine, and Hambleton are open daily from 10.00-14.00 for private, prayer.   This is subject to certain restrictions as follows:

- People aged 70 or over, individuals who are extremely, clinically, vulnerable/shielding, and those who are isolating are strongly advised

not to visit churches for this purpose.

- You must, always, respect the quiet of the place and the needs of other people who may be there.

- No prayer books, Bibles, or other aids are available in church. 

- No music or equipment for playing music can be brought to church.

- Doors are open so there is no need to touch doors/handles.

- Only four people are allowed in at any time.

- Rules on social distancing must be observed.

- There are designated areas where you may sit.  These will vary from church to church but there will be instructions on the church door.  You must not sit in or go into other areas of the church.

- As you enter and leave you should use the hand gel provided.  You should then go home and wash your hands thoroughly.

 
The designated chairs/pews will be cleaned with appropriate materials at the end of each day. 

BAPTISMS/CHRISTENINGS

At the time of writing, these are not permissible, except for emergency Baptisms. 

SUNDAY WORSHIP

When you arrive at church you will be asked to use hand gel and then either write or give your name and telephone number.  This is needed for Test and Trace purposes and the details will be kept safe after the service and held for 21 days and then destroyed.

 

You will then directed/guided to where you may sit.  This coming Sunday there will be no orders of service.  In future weeks there may be, and the worship leader will give you instructions about whether to take them home or leave them on your chair/pew.

 

Music is a particularly difficult area so I will do my best to explain the thinking behind what we are doing.  The only live music we could have would be our organs or pianos, as long as the instructions regarding the cleaning of the instrument is followed.  However, whilst organ playing is permissible, we also have to factor in the guidance on those who are 70 and over and the risks associated.  At St James, Paul is not in the increased risk category, so he can play at services if required.

 

TOILETS

The guidance is that toilets should be made available if possible but there are instructions around cleaning etc. If they are open, please only use them if absolutely necessary.

 

SEATING

People from the same household or bubble maty sit together.  Otherwise people must observe social distancing.  Some seats/pews may not be available as they are being reserved for use by those coming for private prayer at other times.  A churchwarden/sidesperson will be available to direct people to seats.  Please be patient with them as they have a difficult job to do.

 

COLLECTIONS

These will be retiring collections only.

 

CHURCH DOORS

As for private prayer during the week, these will be left open for the entire service and after the service ends

WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS

From 4th July, weddings and funerals can be held in all parish churches (including Out Rawcliffe, but not Eagland Hill) but there will be restrictions similar to those for Private Prayer:

- People aged 70 or over, individuals who are extremely, clinically, vulnerable/shielding, and those who are isolating should not attend.  Special exceptions may be made for very close relatives These will need to be discussed on an individual basis and will need to be carefully handled.

- Only thirty people, including the family, will be allowed to attend.  These will be people invited by the family.

- There will be no singing.

- Any music will be played from digital media.  Organists/other musicians cannot be invited to play.

- There will be a verger or churchwarden in attendance, to manage socially distanced seating at the services.

- No orders of service will be provided by the church. 

- Orders of service must be taken away at the end of the service.

- A single bell (as opposed to a full peal of bells) may be rung.

FOODBANKS IN THE PARISH CHURCHES

Having assessed usage over the last three months, the foodbank in Pilling, Preesall and Hambleton have closed.  Stalmine’s will continue.  Discussions are ongoing with other churches about what will happen in Preesall after that.  I am grateful to everyone who has supported the foodbanks and hope that will continue.

 

If you want to know more about any of these issues, please ring Fr. Andy on 01253 799895.