Saint Paul's Church, Landkey

This section is set aside to provide access to service downloads for anyone who would like to join us online and also to give brief updates on forthcoming services. For fuller information on services, please visit our "Service Times" page.

Our services have settled into the routine which allows for some relaxation of the Covid restrictions which applied prior to 19th July 2021. We are singing again and are finding that congregation members wear a face mask for some of the time during the service.

The liturgy (or, Order of Service) for our services  may be downloaded via the links below to enable online participants to follow the proceedings. We have made available those that relate to the different types of service that we hold. The type of service for each Sunday is announced on the Service Times page.

Please note that we will not be able to offer a Zoom connection for our service on 5th December.

All are welcome!

Updated 28th November 2021

• Link to Zoom service on Sunday 12th December 2021 from 10:15am
• Liturgy for Morning Prayer
• Liturgy for Holy Communion
• Liturgy for Family Service

Covid restrictions - our response to their easing

Note: We are monitoring the situation with regard to the "Omicron" Covid variant. At present, we are not making any changes to our procedures for services but will issue new advice based on guidance from the Church of England if that becomes necessary. 28th November 2021.

Following the lifting of almost all remaining Covid restrictions on 19th July, St Paul's has done likewise. It has been a gradual process, though, as we want worshippers to have the opportunity to become accustomed to the new status quo and not feel uncomfortable coming to services, especially while the infection rate remains high.

The main change so far has been the re-introduction of singing which seems to be appreciated by congregation members. In addition, we are now (September 2021) offering refreshments after each service.

Our other Covid-related procedures are as follows:

• We are not actively encouraging mask wearing but recommend that worshippers bring one along to wear if they find themselves in a situation where they would prefer to do so.
• We are not planning for social distancing but are happy for people to space themselves out according to their own judgement.
• Hand sanitiser is available at the door for anyone who would like to use it.
• We no long be record the names of attendees but will retain the QR code in the porch for those who would like to check in.
• Holy Communion continues to be offered as bread only, although we may introduce the wine in a Covid-safe way soon (Sept 2021). The taking of Communion is optional, of course!

The current Church of England guidance upon which our procedures are based is available to download here:

• Covid guidance from 19th July 2021

Remembrance

Our Remembrance events, held on 14th November 2021, were well attended and began with a service in the village hall at 10am. Chris James led the service and explained in his talk how we as a nation have recognised bravery over the years. In the 19th century, bravery was typically recognised by a promotion in rank but this usually applied only to the officer class.

During the reign of Queen Victoria, it was felt that bravery by military personnel of any rank should be recognised and this was how the Victoria Cross came into being. Queen Victoria believed that the medal should bear the inscription "For Valour" rather than "For Bravery" which might imply that others lacked courage.

As many as 80 people gathered at the war memorial from 10:45am for the Act of Remembrance, also led by Chris. Wreaths were laid by Richard Beer on behalf of Landkey Parish Council and by Emma Waldron for St Paul's Church. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Cornish family, whose relation is listed on the memorial among the Fallen from World War One, by Charles Waldron.  John Stitt called out the names of the Fallen while Mike Foster and Josh Axford, respectively, read the odes, "For the Fallen" and "The Kohima Epitaph". John Hayes bore the standard on behalf of the Burma Star Association.

St Paul’s: A Church for the Future?
The events of the past year have had unwelcome effects on many village organisations, including St Paul’s. Restrictions caused by the pandemic are, thankfully, easing and we are now focusing our attention on the future. We believe that there is support for St Paul’s from within our growing parish and we would like to build on that to create a church which will serve the needs of its community in the years ahead. Among plans under consideration is the installation of a toilet to help make the building more versatile. Opening the building more often than just on Sunday mornings is an objective, as is the wish to broaden the range of services held, while retaining their reverence. We now have an internet connection making the streaming of services online possible and we would like to upgrade the current technology to reduce our reliance on printed material. Landkey is fortunate to have a beautiful historic church in its midst and it is our aim to ensure that its future is secured for generations to come! If you would like to be a part of this endeavour, please feel free to get in touch through our Contact Us page. 8th August 2021