Greetings in the name of Christ,
The government has begun relaxing restrictions on gatherings and activities, this week we saw some changes that will enable us as a worshipping community to develop new ways for us to gather and worship, but, for the time being we are still not able to worship together in our buildings.
As many of you would be aware the logistics of keeping a building and those using it safe are complex, and a church community worshiping on site will need to think clearly as to how they manage the building and the worshiping community.
While we have been told that worshiping gatherings of ten or fewer people are allowed, the UCA Synod and Presbyteries have recommended that we not meet in our buildings yet.
I know for some this will be frustrating, but we are trying to remain diligent in our call to love our neighbour at this time, and that means for now we will not be beginning worship together inside the building.
As we continue to think through the issues at hand, and as restrictions are relaxed we may be able to find ways for small gatherings to happen.
For now however we ask people to continue to find space and time together to pray, read the scripture and love your neighbour in any way that you can.
If you would like to speak with Darren about this please feel free to call him on his mobile number. Darren is also able to meet with people on request, either out for a walk or home visit where it’s appropriate.
Here’s a link to the UCA Synod of NSW and ACT’s recommendation to not resume gatherings of worship.
Here’s a link to a piece by Rev John Squires, the Canberra Region Presbytery Minister for Wellbeing reflecting on what it might mean for a church to be safe enough to gather in.