The Apostle Paul reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6–7)
In the midst of uncertainty, we are always called to prayer, to hand our concerns to God. We are assured of his attention and love for us. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7). We can entrust ourselves to God and his control over all things. All things are in the hands of our loving Father, he does not fret, so neither do we need to. Instead, we can give our energy to practically responding to others out of love.
So, we will continue to be a people of prayer and love in response to COVID-19, discerning how to wisely live in these times. You will find below the current advice about how we are responding to what is unfolding in our country
Yes! We are gathering together in person. Some small groups are meeting face to face while others continue to meet online. Church services are also streamed online via Facebook and our Youtube Channel after the service on Sunday's.
To keep all members and guests safe the following will apply to all our celebrations:
In order to keep you all safe we may be checking temperatures prior to entry to the building, requiring hand sanitising, social distancing and mandatory sign in using the Service NSW QR code.
We are registered as a NSW COVIDSafe business and follow the safe return to Church framework of Newcastle Anglican. We expect all members and guest's to check in using the Service NSW app and to sanitise their hands on arrival at our Church campus.
Our response is always set based on the latest NSW Health guidelines and may change at short notice, we may also request members and guests to undertake temperature testing and wear face masks.
Continue to meet together online in small groups if you can't be at church on Sundays.
This season and time of social distancing and self-isolation, can be an isolating experience for many in our Church. It was during great hardship that the writer of Hebrews encouraged God’s people not to give up meeting together, as some were in the habit of doing, but to instead encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25). This is a time to find ways to encourage one another.
Check in with more vulnerable people in the congregation.
Do you know any one in church who is more at risk from COVID19? Contact people who are ill or older, or work in the medical field, to find out how you can help them. You can pray for them over the phone, via video calls or offer practical love, such as picking up groceries.
Offer practical help to those in isolation.
Jesus calls us to be a people who love our neighbour, more than ourselves. This time of uncertainty, is not a time to be focussing inward, but an opportunity to share God’s overwhelming love with those around us. Letter box drop those around you, offering practical support to those in isolation. Offer to pick up groceries or even just a friendly phone or video call, to those who are isolated.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us or by phone at (02) 4981 1839 or via the chat box on the website.
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