Three Sunday services from 2 August
With the recent easing of restrictions, it’s been so special to re-launch our Sunday services and to gather with many of you face to face. Of course it isn’t the same with the reduced numbers, the hand sanitiser and not being able to hug or sing. However meeting in person is a blessing that doesn’t compare to meeting virtually. Those attending have been surprised at how good it is to finally be together again. We want to keep you informed and invite you to take part in the relaunch of church in the weeks and months ahead.
Three Sunday services from 2 August
- 8.30am with Kids Church – this service will also be livestreamed*
- 10.30am with Kids Church
- Church@5 (5pm)
*Our aim is to also provide the livestream for as long as government restrictions are still in place for those unable to join us face to face.
Why 2 August?
We expect that each week following the school holidays more people will return to face to face gatherings. While the Main Hall can seat over 400 in normal circumstances, during the current restrictions it only has a capacity of 140. With three Sunday gatherings we should comfortably accommodate everyone with minimal need for “overflow” into the function room.
Government restrictions
- For the immediate future the NSW government has decreed no congregational singing.
- We are to continue physical distancing and minimise physical contact.
- We need to record the details of everyone who comes onsite.
Not everyone is able to join us
As indicated by government guidelines your medical condition, age and level of anxiety needs to be considered in making a decision to return to Sunday gatherings. We know that risk increases for those over 70 and for those with certain medical conditions, so please take these into consideration and know that we wholeheartedly support you in whatever you choose to do.
As wonderful as it is to gather at the ministry centre, we want to assure you that we do not expect you to come if you’re not ready.
Ministry teams will be impacted
Every Sunday we’re so wonderfully served by people in our Kids Church ministry, audio-visuals, welcoming, musicians, cafe/kitchen, cleaning, setup and pack-down. In each of these teams there may be people who are not ready to return to Sunday gatherings yet.If you are in a Sunday ministry team and will not be coming to church by the end of July please have a conversation with your ministry leader to keep them informed.
Get involved
Join the relaunch team!
Whether or not you are part of one of our ministry teams we’d love you to join our relaunch team. We’re having a special get-together at 11am Sunday 19 July for anyone eager to see us make the most of our Sunday gatherings in the coming months. Please fill out this brief survey to let us know your capacity to serve and be part of this relaunch.
Pray
We’d love your prayers for wisdom as the leadership of our church make decisions in the midst of change and uncertainty. Pray for the sick and vulnerable in our church community, that God would protect and encourage them in the midst of isolation.Pray for our fellow Christians in Australia and throughout the world who are facing more extreme impacts.
The FIEC churches in Victoria have specifically requested our prayers:
IN MELBOURNE: Cross & Crown, Grace Christian Community, Laneway Church
ACROSS VICTORIA: Baranduda Community Church, Flooding Creek Community Church, Seed Community Church
BORDER COMMUNITIES: Albury Bible Fellowship
