Frequently asked questions
Can I just turn up to a gathering?
Due to social distancing and the space available, there will be limited capacity at each gathering so be sure to book your spot ahead of time. You can book for multiple people if they’re attending with you. Reservations will be released in blocks.
Bookings will be available through our website, through Churchsuite or by phone on 0191 340 4844.
Doors open 15 minutes before the service begins. Due to the high level of demand, if you arrive over 10 minutes after the service starts, we reserve the right to offer your ticket to someone else.
If you have not reserved a seat, you can turn up on the day, but we can’t guarantee you admission.
Test and Trace
As part of your registration, we will store details of attendees at gatherings for 21 days in accordance with the NHS Test and Trace scheme, should someone in that gathering test positive for COVID-19.
What are the gathering times?
You’ll be able to reserve spots at our 9:30am, 11:15am and 5pm gatherings, as well as join in online. There won’t be any difference between the content of the gathering you choose to come to or if you choose to watch from home.
How long will the gathering be?
Our gatherings will last up to 1 hour and include times of prayer, sharing from the bible, hearing about what’s happening in the life of St G’s and times of praise and worship (some musical, some non-musical).
How are you making the gathering covid-19 secure?
The main building and Hope House will be deep cleaned before re-opening, and, of course, thoroughly cleaned ahead of Sundays. Between each gathering, surfaces and touch points (eg toilets and door handles) will be disinfected and chairs exchanged. Other items (eg microphones) won’t be shared between different people in the same gathering and will be disinfected between gatherings.
Will I be able to sing?
To prevent transmission and keep each other safe, we will not be singing out loud when we gather, but we can still worship with our bodies and hearts as we join in together. This may seem strange and take some getting used to but it’s so powerful to gather together to worship, regardless of whether we’re projecting with our voices or not, we’re excited for God to meet with us and teach us new ways of communal worship.
Will I still be able to watch from home?
Yes. If you’re shielding, can’t get to church or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, joining in with St G’s Online will still be an option.
Where do I go when I arrive at Church?
Please come straight to the front entrance (see below for accessible entrance requirements) where our Hello team will welcome you, check you in, and show you where to go next.
Kids and Younger Youth will need to check in at Hope House to join in with their activities and will remain there until collection after the gathering.
Is there an accessible entrance?
Yes. We are still For Everyone, Always. We will welcome and accommodate your needs. Please add a note to your registration and we will ensure the accessible entrance is available for you on arrival, and a member of the Hello team will be on hand to assist you.
Will I need to wear a face mask?
Yes. Following the government guidance, we require everyone to bring and wear a face mask at all times (we will have some spare in case you’ve forgotten yours) within the building. If you are exempt, just make a note in your registration and we won’t offer you or request you wear one.
Will there be hand sanitiser?
Yes. There will be a touch-free hand-sanitising station by the entrance as well as some available in the toilets for re-entering the worship area. You’re also welcome to bring your own, of course.
Can I use the Under 3s Space ?
Yes, as well as all ages being welcome in the main worship area, the U3s Space will be open for use for feeding and to entertain younger members of the church family. There’ll be limited space and toys available, but we do ask that children form different bubbles don’t share toys.
What’s available for Kids and Youth?
Kids (2.5-10 year olds) and Younger Youth (Y6-Y8) will be able to check in directly in Hope House. St G’s Kids will take place across all three gathering times (9:30, 11:15 & 5) and Younger Youth will be available at the 11:15 gathering.
Older Youth have midweek groups (find out more here). The 5pm gathering is also a great place for youth to come together and worship with the wider church family.
All under 18s activities will follow government guidelines to ensure a safe, transmission-free environment. This will include meeting in bubbles and team members being required to social distance.
Can I use the toilets?
Yes. Toilet use will be on offer, following a one-way system and there’ll be hand sanitiser available on re-entry to the worship area, too.
Will there be time to chat to people at the end?
To promote physical distancing and give time for cleaning between gatherings, we ask that people sitting closest to the exit leave first. You’ll be able to head to the outdoor cafe spot between the buildings for a catch up or to say Hi if this is your first time with us. Please do keep the exit clear and don’t congregate in the doorways.
Will I be able to give financially?
We will still have our giving station available for contactless delivery. We will not be passing round a basket but you can still give online. Find out more here.
What to do if you’re feeling unwell?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change in normal taste or smell) or have been in contact with someone who’s been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, please join in with our gathering online from home.
Also, if you’ve been to a country on the UK’s quarantine list, please do join in from home.
Get in touch for any other queries
Please email hello@gateshead.church if you have any further questions about returning to the church building, or if you’re checking us out for the first time.
Please be aware, we will be reviewing the guidelines and our response to them regularly so some specifics may change over time.