The Abbey Church,
Waltham Abbey

 

Welcome

Covid-19 Emergency

Although Covid restrictions have now been eased, we are currently only able to open the church to visitors at the times shown in Visiting the Abbey Church.

We can currently open the Abbey Church for:

  • A limited number of worship services. The Services page gives details and also has resources that you can use at home if you are unable to attend.
  • Baptisms, weddings and funerals. These can be arranged with the Parish Office.

We have also restarted some events – see What's on for details.

In all cases it is still necessary to ask you to observe social distancing, though you are no longer required to wear a mask or face covering.

If you would like to confirm details before visiting, please contact the Parish Office.

Photograph of Waltham Abbey Church, viewed from the south east.We welcome you to the parish community of Waltham Abbey. We hope that you enjoy your visit to our website. Do share with us your views, hopes and concerns. You will discover a vibrant parish that tries to respond to the needs of others and to be of service to the local community. We are by no means perfect, but we do try to live and proclaim the Gospel message of Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

The parish of Waltham Abbey is part of the benefice of Waltham Holy Cross (which is itself part of the Deanery of Epping Forest and Ongar Deanery of the Diocese of Chelmsford). There are four Church of England churches within the benefice.

  • The Abbey Church, which is the church of Holy Cross and St. Lawrence and is the parish church of Waltham Abbey.
  • St. Lawrence Church, Ninefields, which is a district church within the parish of Waltham Abbey.
  • St. Thomas Church, the parish church of Upshire.
  • Holy Innocents Church, the parish church of High Beach.

Photograph of the interior of Waltham Abbey Church, viewed from the west end.

We are committed to Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults. The PCC has adopted the Church of England’s policies and best practice on safeguarding which may be found on the Church of England website and also on the Diocese of Chelmsford website. Our Safeguarding Officer can be contacted via the Parish Office. Epping Forest District Council also has a safeguarding policy.

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The Abbey Church, Waltham Abbey | Registered Charity Number 1129915
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×Covid 19 Update

Updated Guidance on Services at Waltham Abbey Church 8th October 2021

We have reviewed our worship guidance following discussion amongst the COVlD safety team and having sought feedback from members of the congregation.

You are no longer requested to wear a face covering when entering the church. The choice of whether to wear a face covering or not will be down to personal preference. We are mindful that COVID is very much still in circulation and therefore do ask that everyone remains cautious about social distancing where possible.

lf you are feeling nervous about this next step and do not wish to sit too close to other people, please let the churchwardens know when you arrive and they will facilitate this.

Safety measures in place:

  • Face masks will continue to be available in the church for those who wish to wear them.
  • Hand sanitiser will continue to be available throughout the church.
  • We will continue to share the peace in a non-contact way.
  • The use of the communion cup for distribution of wine is still not regarded as a safe option at present, so Holy Communion will be distributed in one kind only (just the bread of the Eucharist) for the foreseeable future.
  • The south doors will continue to be open before and after services to allow fresh air into the church.

lf you have COVID symptoms (as outlined in the government guidelines), please stay at home and seek advice on obtaining a COVID test.

Your safety and comfort is important to us therefore if you wish to raise any concerns or make suggestions, please direct these to the churchwardens.

With many thanks.