COVID-19 UPDATES
This page will be updated as situations change.
22.11.2020 (Update from Associate Ps. Glenda Holbrook)
These gatherings are only where bible study, prayer, etc. is the focus. This means Life Groups can meet on the Mount Martha and Rosebud church grounds.
Requirements as specified by the Victorian Government:
· A record must be kept of all attendees, plus their contact details
· A nominated and identifiable Covid Warden must ensure that Covid restrictions are adhered to
· There is to be no sharing of food and drink
· Face masks must be worn
· Social distancing adhered to
· Everyone must provide their own chair
· The leader must complete a Covid Safe Plan.
Mount Martha Life Groups: contact Viv at viv@newpeninsula.com.au to make a booking and work through the Covid requirements
Rosebud Life Groups: contact Pandora at pandora@newpeninsula.com.au
Indoor Religious Gatherings can be held with up to 10 people per group (plus a faith leader) and 20 people per facility. This means Life Groups can meet indoors at MM and Rosebud.
Requirements as specified by the Victorian Government:
· as for outdoor gatherings plus:
· limiting gathering to a maximum of 90 minutes
maintaining at least 5 metres between each group of 10
At this time we would encourage Life Groups to meet outside at the facilities as it will be much easier to comply with the requirements.
Moving forward
As restrictions are eased, we will continue to inform you of what this means for us as a church family. We are all looking forward to the time when we can once again join together and worship in person. However, as you can see from the requirements outlined, there are many factors we need to take into account and ensure that we are able to meet the requirements of the government.
In the meantime, we encourage you to:
· invite a family, or the permitted number of adults to join you in your home to do church together
· meet up in parks, on walks, for a coffee or meal
continue caring for each other and your neighbours by those small acts that show you are thinking of them eg cards, flowers, meals, phone calls, emails, Zoom meetings etc. etc.
Requirements as specified by the Victorian Government:
· A record must be kept of all attendees, plus their contact details
· A nominated and identifiable Covid Warden must ensure that Covid restrictions are adhered to
· There is to be no sharing of food and drink
· Face masks must be worn
· Social distancing adhered to
· Everyone must provide their own chair
· The leader must complete a Covid Safe Plan.
Mount Martha Life Groups: contact Viv at viv@newpeninsula.com.au to make a booking and work through the Covid requirements
Rosebud Life Groups: contact Pandora at pandora@newpeninsula.com.au
Indoor Religious Gatherings can be held with up to 10 people per group (plus a faith leader) and 20 people per facility. This means Life Groups can meet indoors at MM and Rosebud.
Requirements as specified by the Victorian Government:
· as for outdoor gatherings plus:
· limiting gathering to a maximum of 90 minutes
maintaining at least 5 metres between each group of 10
At this time we would encourage Life Groups to meet outside at the facilities as it will be much easier to comply with the requirements.
Moving forward
As restrictions are eased, we will continue to inform you of what this means for us as a church family. We are all looking forward to the time when we can once again join together and worship in person. However, as you can see from the requirements outlined, there are many factors we need to take into account and ensure that we are able to meet the requirements of the government.
In the meantime, we encourage you to:
· invite a family, or the permitted number of adults to join you in your home to do church together
· meet up in parks, on walks, for a coffee or meal
continue caring for each other and your neighbours by those small acts that show you are thinking of them eg cards, flowers, meals, phone calls, emails, Zoom meetings etc. etc.
29/10/2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
We had great news during the week with the easing of restrictions.
Here are the key points in relation to church and fellowship:
¨ There are now no restrictions on the reasons to leave home. (Although you can still only travel 25kms from home).
¨ You can see friends and family outdoors in a public place in a group of up to 10 people. That is any 10 people you like. (Life groups etc. can start organising to meet up.)
¨ You can have up to two people from the same household visit you at your home. You can only have one visit a day – this means once a day you can visit someone’s home or have them visit you at your home. Children and dependants are not included in this cap. The two people must be from the same household and visit together. You can only visit people within 25km of your home. (Two families could have catch ups and even do church together).
¨ Indoor religious gatherings, (prayer, bible study, worship) are allowed for up to 10 people, plus one faith leader. Strict requirements must be adhered to, including having a COVIDSafe Plan. (Some groups may be able to start up again with restrictions)
¨ Outdoor religious gatherings of up to 20 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship. (Life groups could come down to the church and run an outdoor meeting. We would need you to book this with the church office as only one group is allowed on site at a time.
¨ We can only have one gathering at a time whether indoor or outdoor.
¨ There is no sharing of food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment by participants.
This is definitely a step in the right direction. Keep praying for the elimination of cases and restrictions.
Blessings Dave
Here are the key points in relation to church and fellowship:
¨ There are now no restrictions on the reasons to leave home. (Although you can still only travel 25kms from home).
¨ You can see friends and family outdoors in a public place in a group of up to 10 people. That is any 10 people you like. (Life groups etc. can start organising to meet up.)
¨ You can have up to two people from the same household visit you at your home. You can only have one visit a day – this means once a day you can visit someone’s home or have them visit you at your home. Children and dependants are not included in this cap. The two people must be from the same household and visit together. You can only visit people within 25km of your home. (Two families could have catch ups and even do church together).
¨ Indoor religious gatherings, (prayer, bible study, worship) are allowed for up to 10 people, plus one faith leader. Strict requirements must be adhered to, including having a COVIDSafe Plan. (Some groups may be able to start up again with restrictions)
¨ Outdoor religious gatherings of up to 20 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship. (Life groups could come down to the church and run an outdoor meeting. We would need you to book this with the church office as only one group is allowed on site at a time.
¨ We can only have one gathering at a time whether indoor or outdoor.
¨ There is no sharing of food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment by participants.
This is definitely a step in the right direction. Keep praying for the elimination of cases and restrictions.
Blessings Dave
21/10/2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
Well it looks like little has really changed for us with regards to being able to either pray, worship and/or study the scriptures together in person. The current the restrictions are:
“Outdoor religious gatherings and ceremonies of up to five people, plus one faith leader are allowed. However, we can now come from 25km away from the church. (Life group leaders are faith leaders for this purpose)
These meetings should occur adjacent to the place of worship, with only one group permitted at a time. No sharing of food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels, mask wearing and social distancing still apply”.
Our opportunities for fellowshipping with others are:
· “You can meet in an outdoor public place with up to 10 people (including you) from a maximum of two households for the purposes of exercise or to socialise. (25km limit applies)”.
· You can exercise or socialise outdoors with your household. (25km limit applies)
· If you are a single person living alone, or a single parent with dependent children under 18 years or caring for someone with a disability or illness over the age of 18 you can form a ‘single social bubble’ with one other person.
The next round of changes is flagged for 1 Nov 20. If they go ahead we will be able to have groups of 20 people for outdoor religious gatherings adjacent to our place of worship. So potentially Life groups could meet outside on the church grounds. Although we will need strict controls as to how this is conducted to meet our covidsafe requirements.
“Outdoor religious gatherings and ceremonies of up to five people, plus one faith leader are allowed. However, we can now come from 25km away from the church. (Life group leaders are faith leaders for this purpose)
These meetings should occur adjacent to the place of worship, with only one group permitted at a time. No sharing of food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels, mask wearing and social distancing still apply”.
Our opportunities for fellowshipping with others are:
· “You can meet in an outdoor public place with up to 10 people (including you) from a maximum of two households for the purposes of exercise or to socialise. (25km limit applies)”.
· You can exercise or socialise outdoors with your household. (25km limit applies)
· If you are a single person living alone, or a single parent with dependent children under 18 years or caring for someone with a disability or illness over the age of 18 you can form a ‘single social bubble’ with one other person.
The next round of changes is flagged for 1 Nov 20. If they go ahead we will be able to have groups of 20 people for outdoor religious gatherings adjacent to our place of worship. So potentially Life groups could meet outside on the church grounds. Although we will need strict controls as to how this is conducted to meet our covidsafe requirements.
9/10/2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
I am encouraged by the number of people asking about the possibility of having outdoor church services, once we reach the last step before COVID Normal, in particular for Christmas. I love the fact people are super keen to get back to ‘in-person’ services.
Unfortunately, we have very little information to go on with regards as to when we will reach this last step. The only guidelines we have are, “no new cases for 14 days (state-wide) and at least three weeks from the last change in restrictions.”
In light of this uncertainty we have decided to continue as planned with our online services due to the fact that:
We will continue to watch the government briefings and respond accordingly.
Unfortunately, we have very little information to go on with regards as to when we will reach this last step. The only guidelines we have are, “no new cases for 14 days (state-wide) and at least three weeks from the last change in restrictions.”
In light of this uncertainty we have decided to continue as planned with our online services due to the fact that:
- The decision to run outdoor services needs to be made now to allow time for the logistics to be ordered/arranged. (Eg. Toilets, we are not allowed in the building), staging, screens, PA and projection equipment, volunteers, etc.)
- Outdoor services are weather dependent and the current restrictions don’t allow for an indoor alternative to switch to at the last minute.
We will continue to watch the government briefings and respond accordingly.
20/9/2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
One of our Life Group leaders suggested setting up a roster of people who could meet at different times so everyone in the group could catch up face to face. The only restrictions are staying within your 5km limit. This technically means you can be just short of 10km from the person you are meeting, if you meet at the half way point. The other restriction is time, you can’t meet for more than 2 hours!
So let us see what we can do within these guidelines below:
“You can only catch up with one person or your household members outdoors at a time. There isn’t a limit on who you can catch up with outdoors. You should use common sense and limit seeing friends and family. There is a lower risk of spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) between people if you are outdoors which is why restrictions are changing to allow people to see a friend or family member outdoors.”
There is a limit on the amount of time you can spend with people outdoors. You can only spend two hours, which can be broken up into a maximum of two sessions. You can only travel within 5km of your home to catch up with friends or family outdoors.
If you want to read up on all the details of this first stage roadmap you can find the information at here, https://www.vic.gov.au/first-step-coronavirus-road-to-recovery.
So let us see what we can do within these guidelines below:
“You can only catch up with one person or your household members outdoors at a time. There isn’t a limit on who you can catch up with outdoors. You should use common sense and limit seeing friends and family. There is a lower risk of spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) between people if you are outdoors which is why restrictions are changing to allow people to see a friend or family member outdoors.”
There is a limit on the amount of time you can spend with people outdoors. You can only spend two hours, which can be broken up into a maximum of two sessions. You can only travel within 5km of your home to catch up with friends or family outdoors.
If you want to read up on all the details of this first stage roadmap you can find the information at here, https://www.vic.gov.au/first-step-coronavirus-road-to-recovery.
13/9/2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
God is with us and we will make it through this pandemic.
2 Cor 1:3-4 is a great passage to keep in mind.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God”.
A lot has been said about what we can’t do but it’s time to focus on what can we do.
After the 13th of September, “two people or a household can meet outdoors for a maximum of two hours for social interaction, exercise or recreation within 5km of their home.”
Also, “people living alone or single parents can nominate one person with whom they can form a ‘single social bubble’. The ‘single social bubble’ allows you to visit each other for social connection. Single parents with dependents (including young children) who cannot be left alone will be allowed to include the dependents in the bubble. If you live in metropolitan Melbourne you can only form a bubble with someone in metropolitan Melbourne, not regional Victoria.”
It’s time to get creative and make this work for us.
If you want to read up on all the details of this first stage roadmap you can find the information at here at , https://www.vic.gov.au/first-step-coronavirus-road-to-recovery.
2 Cor 1:3-4 is a great passage to keep in mind.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God”.
A lot has been said about what we can’t do but it’s time to focus on what can we do.
After the 13th of September, “two people or a household can meet outdoors for a maximum of two hours for social interaction, exercise or recreation within 5km of their home.”
Also, “people living alone or single parents can nominate one person with whom they can form a ‘single social bubble’. The ‘single social bubble’ allows you to visit each other for social connection. Single parents with dependents (including young children) who cannot be left alone will be allowed to include the dependents in the bubble. If you live in metropolitan Melbourne you can only form a bubble with someone in metropolitan Melbourne, not regional Victoria.”
It’s time to get creative and make this work for us.
If you want to read up on all the details of this first stage roadmap you can find the information at here at , https://www.vic.gov.au/first-step-coronavirus-road-to-recovery.
27/8/2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
There has been a little confusion over the compassionate and care giving reasons for being able to leave your home. You do not need to be a family member, however if family members live near by they should be the first people to provide care.
The DHHS website states: “Caregiving, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment also remains a permitted reason to leave home….”
And “...As much as you can, you must stay at home. When you leave home, you must use a face covering, unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so.”
If we use a common-sense approach and try to keep both of these instructions together you should be able to work out if someone needs a visit or not. If you’d like to check all the details, again you can find them at this link and just follow the various links to the specifics you want to know about.
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Thanks again to all those you are making lots of phone calls checking in on people. It is great to hear these stories of people caring for one another.
The DHHS website states: “Caregiving, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment also remains a permitted reason to leave home….”
And “...As much as you can, you must stay at home. When you leave home, you must use a face covering, unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so.”
If we use a common-sense approach and try to keep both of these instructions together you should be able to work out if someone needs a visit or not. If you’d like to check all the details, again you can find them at this link and just follow the various links to the specifics you want to know about.
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Thanks again to all those you are making lots of phone calls checking in on people. It is great to hear these stories of people caring for one another.
13/8/2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
There are no changes from last week. We are still in Stage 4 lockdown.
The church facilities are closed except for essential maintenance and recording services.
All our other ministries have moved to online gathering or gone into recess. Please contact the office if you want any info on what different ministries are doing.
Please continue to look for opportunities to bless others with a phone call or text or good old letter in the mail.
If you would like to check all the details, use this link: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus then click on the specific areas that are of interest to you.
If you have a need please either email office@newpeninsula.com.au or phone MM 5973 8888 or RB 5982 0889 (during office hours), or if you need to contact a pastor urgently, after hours, phone 0407 311 185
The church facilities are closed except for essential maintenance and recording services.
All our other ministries have moved to online gathering or gone into recess. Please contact the office if you want any info on what different ministries are doing.
Please continue to look for opportunities to bless others with a phone call or text or good old letter in the mail.
If you would like to check all the details, use this link: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus then click on the specific areas that are of interest to you.
If you have a need please either email office@newpeninsula.com.au or phone MM 5973 8888 or RB 5982 0889 (during office hours), or if you need to contact a pastor urgently, after hours, phone 0407 311 185
6/8/2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
As you will be well aware we are now in Stage 4 lock down with a stay at home order.
For the church this means the only reason to be on site is for essential maintenance and recording services. Even with the service we will try to do as much recording from home, using phones etc. to limit the number of people moving around.
Lock down also means we can no long deliver DVD’s to those people who do not have internet access. We will however endeavour to mail them out during the following week so people can still connect in with the church service.
We are still able to run our Back on Track ministry. The CCI team will keep the volunteers informed as to how this operating.
Can I continue to encourage Life Groups as well as other ministry groups to continue to meet online and stay connected especially during this next 6 weeks. Let’s do our best to look after each other.
You can still exercise with one other person, as long as you do not travel more the 5km from your home address, and you exercise for less than 1hr. So I encourage you to stay active if you can.
If you would like to check all the details, use this link: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus then click on the specific areas that are of interest to you.
If you have a need please either email office@newpeninsula.com.au or phone MM 5973 8888 or RB 5982 0889(during office hours), or if you need to contact a pastor urgently, after hours phone 0407 311 185
For the church this means the only reason to be on site is for essential maintenance and recording services. Even with the service we will try to do as much recording from home, using phones etc. to limit the number of people moving around.
Lock down also means we can no long deliver DVD’s to those people who do not have internet access. We will however endeavour to mail them out during the following week so people can still connect in with the church service.
We are still able to run our Back on Track ministry. The CCI team will keep the volunteers informed as to how this operating.
Can I continue to encourage Life Groups as well as other ministry groups to continue to meet online and stay connected especially during this next 6 weeks. Let’s do our best to look after each other.
You can still exercise with one other person, as long as you do not travel more the 5km from your home address, and you exercise for less than 1hr. So I encourage you to stay active if you can.
If you would like to check all the details, use this link: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus then click on the specific areas that are of interest to you.
If you have a need please either email office@newpeninsula.com.au or phone MM 5973 8888 or RB 5982 0889(during office hours), or if you need to contact a pastor urgently, after hours phone 0407 311 185
30/7/2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
As I write this the news of the number of new cases being over 700 is starting to circulate. I can sense the anxiety is starting to rise along with the numbers of new cases. This is where we can be bright shining lights in a dark time.
I said just recently that we need to keep coming back to God and pressing in to him during these times. Our strength and peace will come from him and knowing he is with us no matter what.
In regards to restrictions, in relation to us, they continue as before.
If you’d like to check all the details you can find them at this link https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
I said just recently that we need to keep coming back to God and pressing in to him during these times. Our strength and peace will come from him and knowing he is with us no matter what.
In regards to restrictions, in relation to us, they continue as before.
If you’d like to check all the details you can find them at this link https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
23/7/2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
Stage three restrictions continue with the edition of wearing masks in public.
There are still only 4 reasons to leave home:
¨ Shopping for food and supplies
¨ Care and caregiving
¨ Exercise and outdoor recreation
¨ Study and work – if you can’t do it from home
There will be some reasons for residents of metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire not to wear a face covering, including:
¨ medical reasons
¨ if you’re under the age of 12
¨ professional reasons
¨ if it's not practical, for example running.
You will still need to carry a face covering at all times to wear before and after exercise
The fine for not wearing or carrying a face covering will be $200.
If you’d like to check all the details you can find them at the following link:
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
There are still only 4 reasons to leave home:
¨ Shopping for food and supplies
¨ Care and caregiving
¨ Exercise and outdoor recreation
¨ Study and work – if you can’t do it from home
There will be some reasons for residents of metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire not to wear a face covering, including:
¨ medical reasons
¨ if you’re under the age of 12
¨ professional reasons
¨ if it's not practical, for example running.
You will still need to carry a face covering at all times to wear before and after exercise
The fine for not wearing or carrying a face covering will be $200.
If you’d like to check all the details you can find them at the following link:
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
17.07.2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
Ok, so there are no changes to the Covid19 restrictions.
Once again there are only 4 reasons to leave home:
¨ Shopping for food and supplies
¨ Medical care and caregiving
¨ Exercise and recreation
¨ Study and work – if you can’t do it from home
My encouragement is to start looking for the opportunities. We know God is not flummoxed by this lockdown. Let’s start asking what he wants to do in us and use us for during this time. It could be anything really: grow our prayer life and bible reading, grow our patience and long suffering, grow our hunger for fellowship and community or grow our compassion and outreach.
I’d love to hear back about the sorts of opportunities God is creating for you during this time. You can email me on davidu@newpeninsula.com.au, or ring the church office 5973 8888 to let me know and I can share these with others.
Blessings Dave.
Once again there are only 4 reasons to leave home:
¨ Shopping for food and supplies
¨ Medical care and caregiving
¨ Exercise and recreation
¨ Study and work – if you can’t do it from home
My encouragement is to start looking for the opportunities. We know God is not flummoxed by this lockdown. Let’s start asking what he wants to do in us and use us for during this time. It could be anything really: grow our prayer life and bible reading, grow our patience and long suffering, grow our hunger for fellowship and community or grow our compassion and outreach.
I’d love to hear back about the sorts of opportunities God is creating for you during this time. You can email me on davidu@newpeninsula.com.au, or ring the church office 5973 8888 to let me know and I can share these with others.
Blessings Dave.
10.07.2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
I am not sure if you have heard the saying, “God is more interested in your character than your comfort”…...I think God is trying to grow me in patience!
Obviously we are back in complete lockdown here on the Peninsula.
“You can only leave home for one of the four reasons – shopping for food and supplies, care and caregiving, exercise, and study and work, if you can’t do it from home.”
This means ALL our ministries are required to go back to using electronic methods of connecting. The only exception is ‘Back On Track’ which is providing an essential food service. We will continue to deliver our worship services, Children’s, Families, Youth, Life Groups ministry etc. online, so make sure you connect in where you can and continue to reach out to friends and family.
Please continue to pray for us as we seek to continue building community, breakdown social isolation and minister the gospel during these restrictions. Our prayer is that we will see the opportunities God is opening up for us, as the people of God, in this season.
Finally, remember Jesus promised to be with us until the end of the ages… so if it’s not the end of the ages and you are not standing before Jesus face to face, then he is still right here with us walking alongside us. Be strong, keep safe and stay connected!
Blessings Dave
Obviously we are back in complete lockdown here on the Peninsula.
“You can only leave home for one of the four reasons – shopping for food and supplies, care and caregiving, exercise, and study and work, if you can’t do it from home.”
This means ALL our ministries are required to go back to using electronic methods of connecting. The only exception is ‘Back On Track’ which is providing an essential food service. We will continue to deliver our worship services, Children’s, Families, Youth, Life Groups ministry etc. online, so make sure you connect in where you can and continue to reach out to friends and family.
Please continue to pray for us as we seek to continue building community, breakdown social isolation and minister the gospel during these restrictions. Our prayer is that we will see the opportunities God is opening up for us, as the people of God, in this season.
Finally, remember Jesus promised to be with us until the end of the ages… so if it’s not the end of the ages and you are not standing before Jesus face to face, then he is still right here with us walking alongside us. Be strong, keep safe and stay connected!
Blessings Dave
05.07.2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
The current restrictions mean that in the church buildings we are back to having no more than 20 people for a church service, 20 people for a wedding, 50 people for a funeral and 10 people for a prayer group. All the same social distancing, hygiene practices and safety measures continue as previously. Also any ministries or groups that have been meeting in homes, need to continue to adhere to the ‘no more than 5 guests in your house’ practice.
Given one of our core foci this year was to try and tackle some of the social isolation in our community, my encouragement is to look for opportunities to connect with people in small groups of 5 or less. Some of our Life Groups have broken up into smaller groups of 5 so they can keep meeting which is great. Or you could invite another family over, another couple, or a couple of friends. Let’s try and stay connected as much as the restrictions allow and continue to pray for those significantly affected by these restrictions.
Given one of our core foci this year was to try and tackle some of the social isolation in our community, my encouragement is to look for opportunities to connect with people in small groups of 5 or less. Some of our Life Groups have broken up into smaller groups of 5 so they can keep meeting which is great. Or you could invite another family over, another couple, or a couple of friends. Let’s try and stay connected as much as the restrictions allow and continue to pray for those significantly affected by these restrictions.
25.06.2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
Well last week’s note in the Navigate about the Covid-19 restrictions was relevant for a day… emailed Friday 19 Jun 20, redundant Saturday 20 Jun 20!
Obviously the new restrictions mean that in the church buildings we are back to having no more than 20 people for a church service, 20 people for a wedding, 50 people for a funeral and 10 people for a prayer group. All the same social distancing, hygiene practices and safety measures continue, as previously, for anything we do.
Also any ministries or groups that have been meeting in homes, like Life Groups, now have to adhere to no more than 5 guests in your house. This is a disappointment given we had just returned to meeting face to face again in homes and reconnecting with people.
Given one of our core foci this year was to try and tackle some of the social isolation in our community, my encouragement is to look for opportunities to connect with people in small groups of 5 or less. Some of our Life Groups have broken up into smaller groups of 5 so they can keep meeting which is great. Or you could invite another family over or another couple or a couple of friends. Let’s try and stay connected as much as the restrictions allow and continue to pray for those significantly affected by these restrictions.
Blessings, Dave
Obviously the new restrictions mean that in the church buildings we are back to having no more than 20 people for a church service, 20 people for a wedding, 50 people for a funeral and 10 people for a prayer group. All the same social distancing, hygiene practices and safety measures continue, as previously, for anything we do.
Also any ministries or groups that have been meeting in homes, like Life Groups, now have to adhere to no more than 5 guests in your house. This is a disappointment given we had just returned to meeting face to face again in homes and reconnecting with people.
Given one of our core foci this year was to try and tackle some of the social isolation in our community, my encouragement is to look for opportunities to connect with people in small groups of 5 or less. Some of our Life Groups have broken up into smaller groups of 5 so they can keep meeting which is great. Or you could invite another family over or another couple or a couple of friends. Let’s try and stay connected as much as the restrictions allow and continue to pray for those significantly affected by these restrictions.
Blessings, Dave
21.06.2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
The latest Covid19 restrictions announced by the Victorian Government 20th Jun 2020 that are relevant to church and our ministries state the following:
It also means we are not likely to get back to face to face worship service in the next month or so.
Please continue to pray for one another and to stay in touch. God is with us through all this and we will eventually get back to meeting together and praising God communally.
Blessings
Dave Underhill
- Public gatherings will be limited to 10 people.
- The number of visitors to a home will reduce to 5 visitors.
- Private worship or small religious ceremonies will be limited to 20 people plus those reasonably required for the ceremony.
It also means we are not likely to get back to face to face worship service in the next month or so.
Please continue to pray for one another and to stay in touch. God is with us through all this and we will eventually get back to meeting together and praising God communally.
Blessings
Dave Underhill
31.05.2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
Great news for all our life groups, we can start to meet again. This is definitely something to Praise God for. As of the 1st of June we can have groups of up to 20 people in our homes (including the residents) and we can start meeting in small groups for activities like bible studies, prayer and ministry. See the details below about the conditions of meeting. Please note that physical distancing measures must be adhered to, and we would recommend only to share food that is pre-packaged or in separate containers.
Can I attend a prayer group?
From 11:59pm on 31 May, if the prayer group is held at a place of worship or another public place, up to 20 people can attend. A prayer group held in someone’s home can meet as long as there are no more than 20 people, including the normal residence of a household.
Physical distancing measures must be adhered to.
Under new arrangements that will come into effect at 11.59pm on Sunday, 31 May, you can have up to 20 people in your home at any one time, including those who normally live with you in the household. Children are counted in the total person limit.
For example, if you are a household of five people, you can have 15 visitors.
If you are visiting someone's home, you should ensure appropriate physical distancing by keeping at least 1.5 metres between you and others who are not from your household and practise good hygiene. If you or your friends, family or partner are feeling unwell you should not visit anyone or have visitors at your home.
Victorians are being asked to use common sense when it comes to visiting friends and family, especially those who are more vulnerable. That means seeing those you need to – if you need to.
As other ministry areas are allowed to start back up we will keep you informed on the who, when and how.
To find out more about what you can and can’t do use the link below.
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-covid-19
Can I attend a prayer group?
From 11:59pm on 31 May, if the prayer group is held at a place of worship or another public place, up to 20 people can attend. A prayer group held in someone’s home can meet as long as there are no more than 20 people, including the normal residence of a household.
Physical distancing measures must be adhered to.
Under new arrangements that will come into effect at 11.59pm on Sunday, 31 May, you can have up to 20 people in your home at any one time, including those who normally live with you in the household. Children are counted in the total person limit.
For example, if you are a household of five people, you can have 15 visitors.
If you are visiting someone's home, you should ensure appropriate physical distancing by keeping at least 1.5 metres between you and others who are not from your household and practise good hygiene. If you or your friends, family or partner are feeling unwell you should not visit anyone or have visitors at your home.
Victorians are being asked to use common sense when it comes to visiting friends and family, especially those who are more vulnerable. That means seeing those you need to – if you need to.
As other ministry areas are allowed to start back up we will keep you informed on the who, when and how.
To find out more about what you can and can’t do use the link below.
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-covid-19
21.05.2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
Currently the following restrictions are in place in Victoria.
There are now five reasons to leave your home:
· Shopping for food and supplies that you need.
· Care and caregiving.
· Exercise and outdoor recreation.
· Work and education – if you can’t do it from home.
· Visiting friends and family – if you really need to.
I was hoping for a greater lifting of restrictions where I could happily announce that Life Groups were able to recommence, but they don’t appear to fit into the slightly relaxed restrictions. However there is a provision for prayer groups:
The following is from the FAQ’s page found at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sport-cultural-and-recreational-activities-restrictions-coronavirus-covid19#religious-services-and-places-of-worship.
There are now five reasons to leave your home:
· Shopping for food and supplies that you need.
· Care and caregiving.
· Exercise and outdoor recreation.
· Work and education – if you can’t do it from home.
· Visiting friends and family – if you really need to.
I was hoping for a greater lifting of restrictions where I could happily announce that Life Groups were able to recommence, but they don’t appear to fit into the slightly relaxed restrictions. However there is a provision for prayer groups:
The following is from the FAQ’s page found at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sport-cultural-and-recreational-activities-restrictions-coronavirus-covid19#religious-services-and-places-of-worship.
17.05.2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
There was a gradual easing of restrictions from 11:59pm Tuesday 12 May.
The changes now allow for:
1. Indoor gatherings with up to 5 visitors allowed. (This allows us to travel to these homes).
2. Outdoor gatherings can have up to 10 people meeting for either exercise or outdoor activities.
3. A slight easing on numbers attending funerals or weddings.
4. There will be a staggered return to schools from May 26.
These restrictions are in addition to the previous ones of only leaving home for food & essential supplies, medical care, exercise or work.
The changes now allow for:
1. Indoor gatherings with up to 5 visitors allowed. (This allows us to travel to these homes).
2. Outdoor gatherings can have up to 10 people meeting for either exercise or outdoor activities.
3. A slight easing on numbers attending funerals or weddings.
4. There will be a staggered return to schools from May 26.
These restrictions are in addition to the previous ones of only leaving home for food & essential supplies, medical care, exercise or work.
10.05.2020 (Update from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
Currently restrictions Victoria remain the same: The rules are clear - Stay home. Protect the health system. Save lives. There are only four reasons to leave home: shopping for what you need - food and essential supplies, medical, care or compassionate needs, exercise and study if you can’t work or learn remotely.
Hopefully we will see some changes to the above restrictions next week. In the meantime please continue to pray for those making decision and for those dealing directly with the implications of this pandemic. Especially those providing medical response and those working on government policy.
Hopefully we will see some changes to the above restrictions next week. In the meantime please continue to pray for those making decision and for those dealing directly with the implications of this pandemic. Especially those providing medical response and those working on government policy.
03.05.2020 (Message from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
The Australian Government has launched a new voluntary coronavirus app, COVIDSafe, The app is an important public health initiative that has the potential to keep both our family and community safe from further spread of the coronavirus through early notification of possible exposure. Once installed and running the app uses bluetooth to look for other phones that also have the app installed. It then makes a digital handshake, noting the time, date and duration of contact. This information is ONLY stored in the app on the users phone, no-one, not even the user, can access it. If the user is diagnosed with COVID-19, and agrees to share their app information, they will be directed to upload their information and, ONLY then, will the relevant health authorities will be able to access the information about who has been in close contact with another app user for more than 15 minutes. Please consider downloading this app - available for iPhone and android phone.
26.04.2020 (Message from Interim Senior Ps. Glenda Holbrook)
The State of Emergency in Victoria has been extended until midnight 11 May 2020. This means that all the current restrictions (Stage 3) remain in place until further notice. Check this link for FAQ’s in regards to COVID19 https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-directions-faq. This link has lots of great information about what you can and cannot do. Thanks again to all those who are taking the initiative and setting up meeting groups online and over the phone. And remember, God will walk with us no matter what. We will get through this. Stay safe and stay connected.
Blessings, Glenda
Blessings, Glenda
29.3.2020 (Message from Associate Ps. David Underhill)
Sadly we have had even more restrictions placed upon us this week.
Here is part of the announcement from our State premier Daniel Andrews on 25 March:
“The most important message for all Victorians is to stay at home and avoid all gatherings of people. This minimizes the chances of transmission, protects the health system and saves lives. If you are with other people, you must observe the rule of 1 person for every 4 square metres to ensure a safe physical distance. If you are in doubt about whether you should go out, go to the shops, take public transport, or let your children go on a play date – the simple answer is don’t.”
This is not a total lockdown at this stage, but that may well be the case by the time you receive this.
Effectively for the church it means no groups at all can meet and both the Mt Martha and Rosebud offices are closed until further notice. Staff may be entering the offices (under strict guidelines) at times to respond to phone messages and/or emails however most are working from home. You can leave a message or email the church offices with any queries and someone will reply but please don’t come to the offices.
We will still endeavour to do some sort of streaming for services on Sunday with the link being in the Navigate and on the web page each week.
With all that said please do all you can to stay in touch with people and look out for one another. Let’s be the disciples Jesus is calling us to be.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciple when you have love one for another” John 13:35
Here is part of the announcement from our State premier Daniel Andrews on 25 March:
“The most important message for all Victorians is to stay at home and avoid all gatherings of people. This minimizes the chances of transmission, protects the health system and saves lives. If you are with other people, you must observe the rule of 1 person for every 4 square metres to ensure a safe physical distance. If you are in doubt about whether you should go out, go to the shops, take public transport, or let your children go on a play date – the simple answer is don’t.”
This is not a total lockdown at this stage, but that may well be the case by the time you receive this.
Effectively for the church it means no groups at all can meet and both the Mt Martha and Rosebud offices are closed until further notice. Staff may be entering the offices (under strict guidelines) at times to respond to phone messages and/or emails however most are working from home. You can leave a message or email the church offices with any queries and someone will reply but please don’t come to the offices.
We will still endeavour to do some sort of streaming for services on Sunday with the link being in the Navigate and on the web page each week.
With all that said please do all you can to stay in touch with people and look out for one another. Let’s be the disciples Jesus is calling us to be.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciple when you have love one for another” John 13:35
20.3.2020 Click this link for Pastor David Rietvelds video update.
18.3.2020 (Message from Senior Pastor)
Dear Friends
It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you of our decision to close down all our public services of worship. The prime minister’s announcement banning larger gatherings on the 18th of March set the parameters for what is considered to be the safest, most caring option for all.
As Christians, we love to meet, to corporately worship and hear from God, and to encourage one another. As Baptists we are conscious that the Most High does not dwell in temples built by human hands. Rather, Jesus promises to be present wherever two or three gather in his name.
I would encourage you (within current health guidelines) to gather in your households, with friends, or fellow life group members, either on a Sunday morning or midweek and watch our weekend services which will be live streamed. Follow the links from our websites homepage to log into the feed.
If you are a volunteer leader, or life group leader, we ask that where it is reasonable to do so, you continue to offer ministry to those who wish to attend. I need to stress you do this in a way that is compliant with current guidelines.
If you and/or your team would prefer to put your ministry or Life Group on hold, we support that choice. Please communicate directly to your group members if your program is in recess and also inform the church office.
By all accounts it could be months before church can resume as normal. With that in mind, I encourage you to set up spiritual disciplines and rhythms that will feed your soul through this season. Be intentional about listening to sermons, devotions, prayer, and fellowship through whatever means are possible, and serving when and where you can.
In addition to emailing out the weekly newsletter and weekly update, the pastors will email you some suggested resources for the week that you could access online. It will also be our aim to make something of Easter despite the significant and obvious constraints.
The church office will remain open for now. Church staff will be available by either phone or email, whether they are working from the office or from home.
My prayer is that you will know God’s presence and comfort in this unsettling time. God often uses times of disruption to bring growth and movement.
Grace, peace and blessings
David Rietveld
Senior Pastor
It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you of our decision to close down all our public services of worship. The prime minister’s announcement banning larger gatherings on the 18th of March set the parameters for what is considered to be the safest, most caring option for all.
As Christians, we love to meet, to corporately worship and hear from God, and to encourage one another. As Baptists we are conscious that the Most High does not dwell in temples built by human hands. Rather, Jesus promises to be present wherever two or three gather in his name.
I would encourage you (within current health guidelines) to gather in your households, with friends, or fellow life group members, either on a Sunday morning or midweek and watch our weekend services which will be live streamed. Follow the links from our websites homepage to log into the feed.
If you are a volunteer leader, or life group leader, we ask that where it is reasonable to do so, you continue to offer ministry to those who wish to attend. I need to stress you do this in a way that is compliant with current guidelines.
If you and/or your team would prefer to put your ministry or Life Group on hold, we support that choice. Please communicate directly to your group members if your program is in recess and also inform the church office.
By all accounts it could be months before church can resume as normal. With that in mind, I encourage you to set up spiritual disciplines and rhythms that will feed your soul through this season. Be intentional about listening to sermons, devotions, prayer, and fellowship through whatever means are possible, and serving when and where you can.
In addition to emailing out the weekly newsletter and weekly update, the pastors will email you some suggested resources for the week that you could access online. It will also be our aim to make something of Easter despite the significant and obvious constraints.
The church office will remain open for now. Church staff will be available by either phone or email, whether they are working from the office or from home.
My prayer is that you will know God’s presence and comfort in this unsettling time. God often uses times of disruption to bring growth and movement.
Grace, peace and blessings
David Rietveld
Senior Pastor