A Letter to the Church Family as Sydney opens up.
October 12, 2021
Dear church family,
I imagine that this week’s easing of restrictions across our city and state will be received in a variety of ways. For a number of us, we will experience relief and excitement as much-cherished freedoms are restored. For others, there may be ongoing frustration and disappointment as restrictions remain in place for those who have not been vaccinated. For still others, there will be a degree of caution and hesitancy as our society opens up once again. For some there may be feelings of continued (and even reinforced) isolation, as everyday life remains the same due to ongoing health issues, even as life starts going back to normal for others. Perhaps you may even be experiencing a combination of feelings. And I don’t presume to have exhausted all the possibilities!
Whatever we may be feeling, whatever our own specific circumstances may be, isn’t it a wonderful blessing to know that the Lord knows? In Psalm 139, David writes:
1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
2.You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Psalm 139:1-3
May we all turn to him at this time and rest in His perfect knowledge and care of each one of us.
In addition to turning to God may we also turn towards one another. As a community of God’s people, may we be conscious of what this time may be like for one another.
May the Lord enable us to live in an understanding way. As Paul writes in Ephesians 4:2 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” . The easing of restrictions will impact each of us in different ways and this calls for sensitivity, a listening ear, and sincere care.
As you may have read in last week’s letter, we are thankful to be able to recommence our physical gatherings from this Sunday.
According to the current Government guidelines, those who have been fully vaccinated, and are able to provide proof of this, are able to attend in person. For those who have not been fully vaccinated, or who for various reasons are unable to attend, or prefer not to attend just yet, we ask that on the 17th and 24th of October you join us via our YouTube livestream and the ‘virtual morning tea’ on Zoom afterwards. Although we acknowledge that this will not be the same, we trust that these measures will nevertheless be helpful provisions over this fortnight.
We appreciate that this will be difficult for some of you who will not be able to join with others physically for those two Sundays. We therefore eagerly anticipate the 31st of October (the first Sunday after it is predicted that 80% of NSW’s population will be fully vaccinated), when we will be able to welcome everyone in person (whether fully vaccinated or not). We are thankful for the Government’s provision for places of worship in this regard, especially as it is in contrast with continued restrictions on other aspects of society.
In addition to these broad guidelines, we hope that the more detailed information provided below will also be helpful for all of us as we adjust to these changes over the coming weeks.
- A new church COVID Safety Plan has been developed – this can be provided electronically upon request and a paper copy will be displayed on the church premises.
- On Sunday 17th and 24th October, only those who have been fully vaccinated will be able to attend the physical gatherings on the church premises – we ask that those not in this situation access our services via the Livestream followed by Zoom.
- Proof of vaccination status will be required upon entry (either electronic or paper version).
- If possible, it would be appreciated if you could email your COVID-19 digital certificate to Greg before Sunday – this will assist us administratively on the day.
- From Sunday 31 st October onwards, it is anticipated that everyone will have the opportunity to attend in person, vaccinated or not (the livestream will still be provided).
- Check in will be required using the QR codes provided at the entrances to the church buildings – a paper version will be provided for those unable to access QR codes on their mobile phones.
- Children under 16 are able to attend, provided they have a vaccinated member of their household present at the premises for the duration of the gathering.
- Children’s Teaching Time will remain on hold until further notice.
- Morning Tea will be provided in a COVID safe way – e.g. self-serve; no mingling; only wrapped food items provided; and outdoor spaces utilised.
- We will abide by the physical distancing requirements of maintaining 1.5 metres apart and not exceeding the 1 person per 4m 2 guidelines.
- There will be no corporate singing until further notice.
- All people over the age of 12 must wear a face mask.
- Hand sanitiser will be available and all those attending are encouraged to make use of this.
- Buildings will be well ventilated in order to reduce the risk of transmission.
- If you are experiencing cold and flu-like symptoms, we ask that you refrain from attending in- person and instead join via the YouTube livestream provided each Sunday.
If you have any questions, or would like further information, please feel free to contact any of the elders. Our contact details are provided below for your convenience.
James (on behalf of the elders)
Matt Murray – 0433 759 909 – office@econg.org.au
Greg Jones – 0438 366 803 – kagjones@tpg.com.au
James Stone – 0450 313 991 – james@econg.org.au