The Glen Waverley Uniting Church PSALTER
Beyond Corona Virus
A collection of material about the church beyond the COVID-19 shutdown.
Synod advice May 14
- Duncan Mcleod wrote:
- This afternoon we received a letter from the Moderator encouraging us as UCA congregations to carefully consider the ways in which we will maintain the safety of our members, even while the Victoria Government begins the loosening of restrictions related to COVID-19. I have attached the two associated documents prepared by the Synod that help us prepare for the time when we do start meeting in person and visiting our members again. I remind you that the General Secretary Mark Lawrence yesterday strongly advised congregations not to start meeting in person this Sunday. Please read through the current Frequently Asked Questions document, and the Checklist for Congregations.
Notes from Synod Zoom meeting May 15
Letter from GraemeFrecker May 18
There's no doubt that our patterns of gathering and worship have been seriously disrupted by the Coronaviral pandemic.
Our thanks to all who have joined together to recreate worship services and devotions and displays that are inspiring us (even though we miss close contact). When life circumstances change so rapidly, and so substantially, the responsible ones face a major challenge. You have done marvellously well in dealing with that challenge. You have brought us new insights of the faith, and innovative ways of presentation. Thanks. My hope is we will all commit to considering the next step - where would Jesus be leading us after coronavirus? As Christians gather again, what will socially-distant worship look like? Where to go from here? .........in faith, in community service, and in Glen Waverley's role within the Uniting Church?"I came that they (each one of us!) might have life, and have it to the full", Jesus said.
Will we return to things as they were pre-pandemic ?
Are our current 'Future Directions' strategies still appropriate for a 'new normal' living and our community's needs?What will we look for in worship, in community service?
Would we prefer virtual meetings in matters of faith?
Will we reduce the number of worship services?
Should we develop the pastoral role of small groups? In five years what might be the character of our congregation - more young families? singles? more immigrants? asian students? older people unable to attend meetings? Is our congregation 'a good fit' with our people catchment?These are some of the questions that we should explore. Together we ought to have found the clear Mind of the Spirit as we emerge from the restrictions of the pandemic.
How will Congregation and Council help me explore these issues? Peace to all,
Comments from DavidFraser May 18
Meeting of property / ministry / Council representatives May 19
Notes to come.