Vicar hopes Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire church will be able to reopen ‘soon’

The media this weekend have been full of speculation on how the lockdown might be loosened, who could be allowed out, how various businesses are going to manager, when we can get our hair cut – you name it, people have commented on it.
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I think in Chesterfield we’ve been fortunate to have local Government that has been trying to stay in tune with business, to offer support and pass on national Government assistance, and more often than not they have got it right.

And where they’ve got it wrong, there are enough people around ready to point out that in their view things are not as they should be.

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The Church of England has been considering how to respond, as well.

Reverend Patrick Coleman, vicar of Chesterfield's Crooked Spire church.Reverend Patrick Coleman, vicar of Chesterfield's Crooked Spire church.
Reverend Patrick Coleman, vicar of Chesterfield's Crooked Spire church.

Chesterfield is a long way away from the places and the people who make such decisions, and we are currently in a stricter lockdown than is required by the Government.

There are many views inside and outside the church concerning what we should be doing now and in the future.

They range from people who think the church is – or should be – irrelevant, to people who regret that we are not providing sanctuary at a time like this, and who may resent the fact that they are not currently allowed into their church building.

The building is crucial in all this.

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I believe that Chesterfield Parish Church belongs to the people of Chesterfield.

It is the house of God, and we have the privilege of worshipping in it (and incidentally the duty of maintaining it and keeping it open) – but all these things have to be done in the knowledge that it is Chesterfield’s church.

During the time that the building has been closed to visitors and for services, we have kept services going at home, streaming them online where possible.

We have stayed in touch with hundreds of people.

Congregation members and others who have links with the church’s life have helped and supported each other and those in need in the community.

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We have continued to support the work of local schools and of course the chaplaincy service at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The light we have kept shining from the windows of the church building is just a symbol of the light we have kept alight in the community, along with so many other people.

It is my hope that soon I will be able to reopen the doors of Chesterfield’s iconic church building to all people, and also to resume the rhythm of prayer and welcome which we as a community should be proud of.

It is my hope that the clergy team will resume being a visible presence in and around the town.

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All of that must happen while we preserve each other’s safety and health.

We are still in this together; together we will come out of it; together we will have to build whatever future awaits us.

Keep safe and keep well.