TO ALL MINISTERS, SESSION CLERKS, TREASURERS, COM SECRETARIES, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS
Dear all,
We are thankful to God for the lack of COVID-19 cases in NSW and the ACT over recent weeks and enjoy being able to worship together in our Congregations.
We are still required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place and on hand if asked by NSW Health or others to inspect. The latest version can be found online on the NSW Health website here. Alternatively, you can use the Word version which can be downloaded here, if you prefer.
You will see that those details which are captured in the Safety Plan are now quite minimal. The following are guidelines which we offer you regarding some particular areas which may be of assistance. In all areas, please encourage good hygiene in ways which are relevant to your facilities and to each situation:
Morning Teas, Lunches and Suppers
Morning Teas, Lunches and Suppers and other food can be served and this should be done in a COVID-safe manner. Please check this website for some helpful information about food handling and hygiene which gives some guidelines and could be shared with the folks who are involved in preparing the food at your church: https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/industry/Pages/COVID-19—Advice-for-food-businesses-on-general-health-and-hygiene.aspx
Seeking to have individual servings of food and drinks (rather than food placed in a communal location) is preferable. You might also think about using disposable plates, cutlery and cups.
Communion
The Lord’s Supper can be shared again. Please consider using disposable cups.
Paper Orders of Service
Paper orders of service, Bibles, hymnals, etc. can be distributed. You might consider having one set of books set aside for each service or group.
Money Handling – Offertory
Many congregations have moved to using EFT/online giving to collect freewill offerings. We understand that some people would like to continue to give using cash and having the following measures in place is recommended:
- Have the collection point in a fixed location rather than being passed-around. As always, please take care to consider security. For example, you may consider making a locked ‘mail box’ available.
- Have one person handle the funds during counting the cash in order to minimize contact. The second person can carefully watch the first person as he or she does the count.
We hope you find this update helpful, but as always please don’t hesitate to contact Perter Merrick or us at any time should you have a question.
Grace and peace,
Jeof Falls and Andrew Campbell (Moderator NSW)