As you may know, Carol and I ended up having COVID tests last Sunday morning – which, fortunately, were found to be negative! However, it was good learning for us in terms of preparing services – having the Service Sheet sorted ahead of time made it relatively easy for Helen to slot in and lead the whole service. As a test of our systems, it was effective!!
So, what about this Sunday? With the likelihood of people being away, we have decided to run with just one service option this week – we’ll be meeting at the school. Weather forecasts suggest it will be cool and wet, so we’ll be meeting inside in the hall. Vaccine Passes will be required, as well as sign up, limiting numbers to 100 as the absolute maximum (see the sign-up link which Andrea has created). We will be aiming at good distancing protocols when seated and will be expecting face coverings to be worn. There won’t be tea or coffee, sorry to say, as we want to discourage face coverings being removed indoors. Given the forecasted temperature (maybe only 16 degrees) and, given that doors and windows will be open wide, we suggest you bring puffer jackets or other warm clothes!!
We have put together a Service Sheet for this Sunday – follow Andrea’s link to locate this. If you prefer not to come to the school, use the sheet in your household at home, or maybe invite some others round to share it together at your place.
It feels terrible writing all of that! It sounds like a tough regime of rules and regulations! Is this what being church has come to? The answer is “absolutely not”! However, for this week given that we probably can’t be outdoors, we are feeling this is the safest way to operate and it will give our venue hosts for groups a weekend off. As I’ve mentioned before, we are monitoring week by week what is the safest approach to service offerings.
The following Sunday (Feb 13) is planned as our “Ilam serves together” (Nerve to Serve) Sunday. You’ll see that we’ve asked for sign-ups for the different projects available. Decisions will be made next week as to whether there need to be any adjustments – what can go ahead, or what needs to be cut. We’ll keep you posted ahead of time.
I hope that you are all coping OK with everything that is going on at this busy season of the year. Keep us in touch if there’s anything we can help with!
Bless you heaps