St John's Church, Warwick Road, Kenilworth has continued its fabulous work in the community by offering local people the chance to use the space for the first time since the lockdown began.

Kenilworth residents will now be able to visit the church building on Wednesdays (10am-2pm), and Sundays (11am-3pm) every week, and use the space for their own quiet reflection.

Nub News spoke to one of the organisers of the reopening, who said "the thinking behind it is, the church is a beacon in the town, and a group of us thought it was really important to open it for the town as a quiet space."

The organisers encourage anyone and everyone to make the most of this space, which offers "a safe place for quiet reflection, away from the busy nature of life, and the anxieties of life and covid."

Visitors are encouraged to relax, and enjoy the opportunity for quiet contemplation – this does not need to be a religious experience, it is "primarily for individuals to sit, and have a quiet space to reflect."

What about covid restrictions?

The twenty-strong group of volunteers organising the reopening have also taken every step possible to make sure that the church complies with public health guidelines, and remains safe for every visitor.

Upon entry, visitors are offered a face mask and hand sanitiser, as well as having their details taken for NHS Track and Trace.

All seats inside the church are now separated by two metres, and each is accompanied with a sign for guests to display as the leave, to show volunteers that the space needs to be cleaned before it is used again.

Bathroom facilities are also available, and again cleaned properly between users.

Supporting the community through lockdown

Rev Andrew Attwood spoke to Nub News of how the church had succeeded in reaching out to the more isolated members of its congregation during the lockdown period.

Attendees of the midweek community services that had been very well attended, were appointed to continually call and check in on a small group of other congregants regularly.

As well as this, printed copies of whole services were produced using transcription software, and delivered to members of the congregation who were unable to access online services.

Members of the congregation have also been actively involved in the Covid-19 Support Kenilworth group, as well as helping the work done by Molly's Meals.

Whilst the prayer mornings are an important first step for St John's, Rev Attwood was clear to stress that they were "beginning with something small, and then learning how we can expand from there."

St John's is also considering continuing with their online services after regular services begin having "been connecting to people way beyond our normal congregation online."