News that churches can reopen for private prayer has been met with joy by a Deal vicar.

Although weddings and baptisms have not been able to take place, the lifting of restrictions means churches can now open for personal prayer and funerals under strict distancing and hygiene guidelines.

The Rev Canon Seth Cooper, Rector of Walmer & Cornilo said: “Lockdown has been such a difficult and painful time and so it's a real joy to offer people the opportunity to bring their deepest thoughts and prayers before God in our churches.

"As we come out of lockdown we can give thanks to God for the wonderful example of those in our healthcare, caring and educational professions; and those who have kept our essential services running during the crisis."

The churches open already are: St Nicholas’ Ringwould - every day 10am-4pm, St Saviour's Walmer - Wednesday 10am to noon and Sunday 10am-noon, St Mary’s Walmer - Thursday 9-11am, Sunday 8am-noon, St Mary’s Eastry - every day 9am-5pm, St Clement’s Sandwich - weekdays noon-4pm, weekends 10am-2pm, St Augustine Northbourne - Monday and Wednesday 10am-4pm, St Peter & Paul Worth - weekdays noon-4pm, weekends 10am-2pm.

Other local churches are also planning to open but details are not available yet.

Please keep an eye on church websites, noticeboards, and social media platforms for more information.

During the lockdown many churches discovered new ways of reaching their congregation with online services, video-conference meetings, increased social media use, and even choirs recording over the internet.

Chris Spencer, vicar of St George’s Deal and Area Dean of Sandwich said: "Taking worship online has allowed us to continue to connect with one another, be encouraged with truth from the bible and pray for our world.

"The creativity has enabled us to welcome people from beyond our normal congregations in East Kent and further afield, even Hong Kong!

“It’s such a blessing to be able to open some of our churches again so that those who wish to can find quiet and reflective space. Of course, God hears our prayers wherever we are yet the beautiful and sacred spaces of our churches are a special sanctuary to be still and know God.”

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