THE way in which dale residents can express their faith has been affected by the current coronavirus pandemic.
Public worship has been suspended until further notice in light of the government guidance around non-essential contact.
The Church of England was advised by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York last week to keep churches open where possible but to pause normal meetings for worship.
Sunday services have been cancelled nationally for the foreseeable future.
Therefore, weekly services at St Mary The Virgin Church, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, or Holy Trinity Church, in Eggleston, will not go ahead.
Revd Alison Wallbank said: “We have had to close our doors on a Sunday for public worship but the Bishop has asked us to still celebrate Holy Communion just as the priest on behalf of the parish.
“The church is still alive. It is not spiritually closed. We have got a special prayer up for this distressing time.”
Morning prayer will still take place in Middleton every Friday morning at 9am and at Eggleston every Wednesday morning at 9am.
However, the services will be limited to a maximum of eight people and those attending must sit two metres apart.
Revd Wallbank said alternative methods of conducting services were being looked at with some being advertised on Facebook.
She said: “I will be putting together a booklet for Easter that our congregation can have at home.
“Hopefully we can still journey together as a church family. We are not defeated.
“We still hope to have a visible presence in the community. We want people to know that they are not being forgotten.”
Following the government guidance, weddings can still go ahead but with a maximum of five people – bride, groom, vicar and two witnesses.
There will be no hymns sung or organist.
Funerals can still take place but with a maximum of eight people present.
A graveside service or crematorium service is being suggested with close family only.
Revd Wallbank added: “Everything will carry on with eight people or less. If people want to have a baptism or a wedding they can still go ahead.”
Revd Wallbank will be on hand for anyone who requires prayer or support.
Sunday services have also been postponed at St Mary’s Church, in Gainford, and St Andrew’s Church, in Winston. Revd Eileen Harrop will be available from 9am to 10am on Mondays and Fridays, in Gainford, and Wednesdays, in Winston.
Worshippers in Evenwood have also been affected following the cancellation of all services at St Paul’s Church.
Public acts of worship in Catholic churches have been cancelled too.
These have been cancelled until further notice at St Osmund’s Catholic Church, in Gainford, and St Mary’s Catholic Church, in Barnard Castle. Where possible the churches will remain open for individual private prayer without any organised services and offer prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
Father Ian Grieves will be available in St Mary’s Church on Thursdays 9.30am to 10.30am and on Saturdays from 6pm to 7pm.
Similarly, services in Methodist churches have been suspended.
It is advised that baptisms will not take place in public worship and anyone with a wedding planned is being asked to contact their minister. Funerals can still take place but the number of people attending will be limited.
