Dear CSBC members and friends,
Like you, we have been watching the unfolding and rapidly changing events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic with increasing concern. As at other times, we are aware that fear, anxiety and panic are not constructive or healthy responses. Similarly, lack of planning, irresponsibility and naïveté are deeply inappropriate in these circumstances. Our profound concern is for the health and wellbeing of all our church members and visitors, as well as for the common good and the broader community.
The Pastors and Deacons of CSBC have been meeting throughout the week to ensure appropriate plans are in place to protect members and visitors from these new risks. In light of the current advice, and given the size of our sanctuary and our congregation, please be aware of the following.
1. We will still gather for worship this Sunday March 15
We will modify our practices of welcoming, greeting, passing the peace and sharing morning tea. We have arranged for extra cleaning of the church both before and after the service and will have hand santizers available in the narthex. Following the service we will encourage people out on to the Verandah to allow more appropriate distance between people.
We appreciate that some of you will choose not to attend services at this time. It is crucial that each person makes wise decisions about their own health and wellbeing. If you elect not to attend our service on Sunday, please know that you will be in our prayers, and that we fully support your decision to remain home, if that is best for you. We have long talked about being the church whether we are gathered or scattered. This is a time when we will live out this reality.
The sermon from Sunday’s service will be available online from Monday. Indeed, you can access all our sermons at any time here.
2. The church members’ meeting scheduled for this Sunday is postponed
Level 4 is not an appropriate space for gathering a large group at this time, and the agenda items, while important, are not urgent in these circumstances.
In coming days and weeks we will make further decisions about the church’s ongoing activities. If we are unable to gather for a time, we will make more weekly resources available on the website.
We hold all of you, as well as our policy-makers and medical professionals in prayer. Please feel free to contact us if you have concerns.
With love and hope,
Carolyn & Simon
Co-Pastors
Collins Street Baptist Church