A community church in Peasedown St John has made a commitment to continue to pay its 12-strong team of employees throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

St John’s Parish Church, which has seen a huge level of growth in the size of its congregation and outreach over the last decade, has decided not to take up the government’s furlough scheme – but continue to pay the wages of its staff directly!

Church Leader, Revd Matthew Street, said:“In these uncertain times we’ve made a commitment to our staff that we’ll continue to pay their wages.

“As Christians, we believe in trusting in God in all situations – both the good and the bad.

“St John’s Church is committed to serving the local community. Even though the doors of our building are closed, we are still very much open for business!”

The church’s activities have been moved online. Music, Creative and Children’s team staff are running regular children’s play sessions via Facebook and Zoom, the Worship Pastor is live streaming a song-a-day, and each weekend an online video-magazine is released covering what’s happening in the community.

 In March, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that businesses who cannot maintain their current workforce because operations have been severely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19), they can furlough employees and apply for a grant that covers 80% of their usual monthly wage costs, up to £2,500 a month. St John’s Church decided not to take up the government scheme but pay its staff directly instead.

As with most aspects of social and cultural life in the UK, there is uncertainty as to when places of worship will be able to reopen, and when they do – what activities will be able to take place in their buildings.

 “For now, it’s just a waiting game,” added Matthew, “but we’re doing all we can to serve the community in the best way we can in these challenging and uncertain times.”

For details about St John’s Church, and its sister Anglican churches in Wellow, Shoscombe and Foxcote visit the benefice website: www.stjsgroup.church, or contact the Operations Manager Rob Bubyer by emailing [email protected]ch or calling 07973 972018.