The Church of Scotland Manse, Lossiemouth, 23 July 2020

Dear Friends,

We have reached Phase 3 of the Scottish Government’s Route Map from Lockdown and I’m sure you are aware that church buildings are now permitted to re-open under certain strict conditions.

It is important to make the distinction between permissive legislation and the ability to open safely and it is clear that no church building may re-open unless Presbytery is satisfied that the church is ready to do so safely.

This will result in

• a significant reduction in capacity for all church buildings,
• thorough health and safety interventions which include a prohibition on singing, and
• considerable demands on volunteers to ensure adequate disinfecting and cleaning.

The Kirk Sessions of St. James’ and St. Gerardine’s High have met independently…

…twice, in June and July, to consider if re-opening the buildings is possible at this time.

With the Covid-19 outbreak now affecting all aspects of daily life, the Church of Scotland’s guidance is that we have to cancel all services and meetings at St James’ until further notice.

It’s not our intention to ‘close down’ or turn our gaze inwards. Please get in touch with us if you need help. You can send a message via this website or via our Facebook page.

We remember Jesus’ words and the hope we have in Him:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 New International Version

For reasons you will immediately understand, a number of regular events – and some special events – in the Church are having to be postponed and rearranged.

Quiz Night – 21st March 2020

This has been postponed to a date still to be fixed.

Singing groups

Rehearsals for the Praise Group and the Lossie Singers have been suspended until further notice. We are still holding Sunday services at St James’ at 10:00am, as usual, and Praise Group / Choir rehearsals will take place in the Church immediately before morning service from 9:30am each week.

Bi-weekly Wednesday drop-in

The Drop-in is also now on hold until further notice.

We are sorry it has been necessary to take these precautionary measures and we hope you will agree that they are sensible in the circumstances.