While the Covid pandemic may be five years ago now, the impact of it is still being felt in many communities. In Looe Valley Benefice, the repercussions of that time have had a surprising and positive effect in one place.

During the lockdowns the churches in the benefice had limited contact with the care homes in the area. As soon as the restrictions lifted, a decision was made to return to Hillcrest House care home and to provide worship for residents on a regular basis.

Revd Stephen Guffick, curate in the benefice, said: “As a church, we obviously value the prayers of those who can no longer get out to services, and we hoped regular short services in the home might help those residents feel seen, loved, valued and ministered to. This has developed, however, into something more resembling its own new church plant!”

Residents, alongside staff members, have started to help with choosing hymns and reading the lessons and intercessions. They have even created a hymn board. Relatives sometimes join in a service as well, and this month they have taken delivery of a new altar cross from a local community group, the Shedders.

It is its own congregation

Revd Stephen says: “There is no sense it is the local church doing a service for the care home. It is its own congregation within our benefice.”

Johanne Thompson, activities coordinator at the home, says: “Our services are bespoke to our community. It gives residents spiritual recognition and pastoral care. Our residents take ownership of their services, they are happy to take on reading and construct and read out prayers.”

When residents are unable to take part in the main service, they are visited for a chat in their rooms by one of the team, so that they can continue to benefit from pastoral care and a sense of being involved.

The Hillcrest community has put back into the benefice too with collections and they contributed to the recent Christmas tree festival at Morval Church by making and displaying their own tree alongside the others on display.

The Hillcrest church, which meets on alternate Tuesdays, is regularly attended by 25 to 30 people including residents, staff, and the wider benefice congregations, with staff who are busy elsewhere even leaving prayers to be read out by residents on occasions.

An important part of the kingdom of God

Revd Stephen added: “Services follow a familiar format of readings, prayers hymns, and a sermon of no more than two or three minutes, perhaps making this church the envy of many around the county! There is always a time of fellowship and prayer following each service and we all consider each other family. It is an important part of the kingdom of God in South East Cornwall.”