As many may now know, the good news is that both Coalburn and Lesmahagow church buildings are open for Sunday worship. Services are at 10 am in Lesmahagow and 11.15 in Coalburn.

Considerable preparatory work was done beforehand, including completion of a detailed covid-19 risk assessment. This means, that in order to follow physical distancing rules the maximum occupancy of both buildings is reduced significantly and so those wishing to attend need to phone in advance to confirm a space is available.

Services are shorter than what we have been used to previously and of a different format. Unfortunately, there can be no hymn singing and face coverings, unless exempted, are to be worn. Contact details are to be given with hand sanitising both coming in and going out the buildings.

It is appreciated that not everyone will feel comfortable with the modified form of worship and associated restrictions. Similarly, there will be some who may be in a "vulnerable" category and for whom communal worship or other communal activities is not advisable. We understand these are real concerns and so the weekly articles will continue to be published for the foreseeable future; this in an attempt to help everyone still feel "connected".

Alan Grant, Interim Moderator.

• Alan Grant´s latest Thoughts and Reflections for the third Sunday in Lent, 7th March, Clear-out for Lent
• Next Sunday, 14th March, Reverend Morag V. Garrett will be conducting public worship. A recording will be available from 9am online at the Lanark Greyfriars website.. Individuals can also dial 01555 363309 to hear an audio only version of the service (local call charges apply).
• All services and meetings within the Church buildings continue to be cancelled until further notice, in accordance with The Scottish Government announcement on the Coronavirus on 4th January. We hope that you stay at home and stay safe. Hopefully we'll open again in the near future.
• Thoughts and Reflections will continue to be posted here and on Facebook.