AS you entered St George’s Church, Waterlooville, there was a warm welcome – as well as a temperature gun being pointed at your temple.

Fortunately no one was feverish, so worshippers were directed to the hand sanitiser and to a pew where they could be at least two metres away from others. The windows were wide open to allow ventilation, and there was a one-way system around the building.

This was the first day that public worship had taken place in the church for more than three months. Worshippers greeted each other happily, waving and approaching each other warily to chat before the service started. Around 30 of the normal 100-strong congregation had decided to come, having booked their places beforehand, and their names were ticked off at the door, for track and trace purposes.

A web cam and laptop were prominent in front of the altar, as the service was also being live-streamed to others watching at home. And worshippers smiled graciously as the priest, the Rev Colin Lawlor, explained some of the restrictions still in place to allow public worship to re-start here: no singing, no collections, no processions, and receive Communion where you are sitting. They were just glad to be there, however different the service might be.

As the service progressed, the familiar rhythm of the liturgy reasserted itself, with just a few tweaks, with devices being moved slightly so those at home could see the Bible readings. Although there was no singing, the organ could be played. When worshippers got to the Peace, they shook hands with those in their households and nodded and waved cheerily to others from a distance.

Fr Colin was sure to apply hand sanitiser before consecrating the bread. He then brought it to each worshipper in turn, dropping the host from his hand to theirs in line with the government guidelines.

Norma Kershaw, who has been part of the congregation for five years, said: “It has replenished my soul to be here today. It has made me feel so much better. I did just sit there and weep. It has been good to stay in community with people online, but it isn't the same as being here in person.”

And fellow worshipper Sue Hodgens said: “I enjoyed the whole thing - everything. I enjoyed the sacramental part of the service. Doing things by Zoom is better than nothing, but it makes a massive difference to be here.”

And Fr Colin said: “I’ve been leading services with just me and a web cam for the past couple of months, so it’s strange to have a congregation again. But it is really important that we come together as a community and to receive the sacraments.  

“It has probably been easier for us to organise a service within the restrictions than for other churches, as it’s a modern building, and we can open the windows easily. We had an 8am service with about 10 people, who sat on the pews with an ‘X’ on them. Then the 10am congregation avoid the pews with an ‘X’ and use different books, and we won't have another service for 72 hours, so any virus will dissipate in that time.”

St George’s Church will continue to be open on Wednesdays from 4pm-6pm for individual private prayer, and for Eucharistic services on Sundays at 8am and 10am, and on Wednesdays at 10am too. Those who would like to attend can book in advance via the parish office.