COVID-19 UPDATES
This page will be updated as situations change.
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