AS EASTER approaches, the coronavirus pandemic has meant churches are having to find new ways of sharing faith and services.

Much of it uses new technology, but they are also falling back on old methods including telephone calls to support people who don’t use the internet.

Many parishes also contributing to, or leading, local efforts to ensure food and medicines can reach those who are isolated.

Congregations from the three churches in the parish of Badshot Lea and Hale – St George’s, St John’s and St Mark’s – have been creating services together, with individuals filming themselves doing readings, prayer or playing instruments and singing.

These are all then put together into services by Rev Alan Crawley, joint rector of the parish, and shared online at https://badshotleaandhale.org/online-services/ and on social media. During Holy Week the parish will be posting something every day.

"This week is Holy Week, the week which leads up to Good Friday when we remember the darkness and pain of Jesus’ death on the cross, and then the joy and hope of his resurrection on Easter Sunday,” said Mr Crawley.

“We hope people will find these services helpful at this most difficult time when we all need hope and light.

“We are also acutely aware that there are people who are not online so cannot join in and we are doing our best to ensure that they are managing OK.

"People from the churches are regularly phoning those we know for a chat and to see what support they need.

"There is wonderful work going on through the Farnham and Villages Coronavirus Helpline and we are supporting this and encouraging everyone who can offer help to sign up there. We are all in this together.”

St Andrew’s Parish Church in Farnham is also supporting the Farnham and Villages Coronavirus Helpline’s relief efforts, as well as streaming services at www.standrewsfarnham.org, on Facebook (‘Farnham Parish Church’) and on its new YouTube channel (‘St Andrew’s Church Farnham’).

The Spire Church in Farnham is producing audio versions of its services, which can be accessed via the website spirechurchfarnham.org.uk Call the church on 01252 978319.

And in Alton, parishioners marked Palm Sunday by displaying palm leaf creations on their doors and windows.

Unable to meet in churches, the Rev Joy Windsor of The Parish of the Resurrection also led a service which was available on Facebook and YouTube.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a very significant and meaningful part of the Church calendar.

The parish – which covers All Saints Church in Alton, St Lawrence Church in Alton, St Peter’s Church in Beech and Church of the Holy Rood in Holybourne – is staying connected with parishioners with Morning Prayer taking place every day at 9am on Facebook Live.

"Please see our website www.potr-alton.co.uk for ways to worship and pray during Holy Week and over the Easter weekend," said a parish spokesman. "The church buildings are closed but we are still active and alive in worship."

And it is encouraging people to make Easter gardens to put outside their door as a witness on Easter Day, and to make their own Passover meals on Maundy Thursday evening.

"Please see our website for instructions on how to make these," added the spokesman.

The Parish of Haslemere is also streaming Easter services online, complete with hymns and music, as well as suggesting activities for children via www.haslemereparish.org

Many other churches and parishes across the area are doing likewise – see their respective websites for more information.