Dear Church Family,
These are unprecedented times. I cannot recall anything in my lifetime that has had such far-reaching effects into daily life than the current health concerns of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Each day brings reports of new cases, along with information from the government and medical professionals, along with news about cancellation of events.
It is with a heavy heart that I write to let you know that we too have had to make the hard decision of suspending worship services and all church activities in our premises as of today (Thursday 19 March 2020). This difficult decision was made on the advice of the Synod of NSW & ACT who contacted all congregations to recommend that all meetings and gatherings in person cease. In doing so, the Synod expressed their intention to take this matter very seriously. The Synod also reminded all congregations of our responsibility towards one another in our community of faith. By keeping distant from one another, not touching physically, not gathering in groups, we lessen the possibility that we pass on the virus to one another. We also have a responsibility to other people in our society.
It was agreed by the Standing Committee of the Yass Parish Church Council that we will support the recommendation and proposal of the Synod to:
I understand this is an unsettling, anxious and perhaps sad time. Let me encourage you with some words from the apostle Paul:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
So at this time we do pray, for it is certainly a situation requiring prayer. In prayer we verbalise our thoughts and concerns with God, allowing us to gain some sort of clarity, or at the very least releasing some of our anxiety to God. This in turn reduces our sense of burden and brings a certain calm, or as Paul says, peace. One thing about peace is that it allows us to have clear minds and see things in a different and perhaps new way.
I am also reminded of how Paul encourages Timothy to rekindle his faith, because God has given a Spirt not of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:6-7). In this unprecedented time then we have an opportunity to rekindle our faith in new ways, drawing on the Spirit of power, love and self-discipline. As people of faith in Jesus Christ, we are can move forward not in anxiety and fear, but faith and hope.
Worship is an important part of our faith journey. It is in worship that we sing praises to God, hear God's word and have our lives are shaped by it, and we encourage one another in faith. Even though we are at this point unable to meet physically for worship we will still have opportunities to do so. I along with others will be working on ways to offer services and resources for you to worship. Keep an eye on your emails, Facebook and even your mailbox for further communication.
I encourage you to continue praying for our church leaders as we seek to make wise decisions in this season. Pray for the government of all levels as they make decisions on behalf of all people. Especially pray for those vulnerable people in our community who find this time extremely difficult both physically and mentally.
Finally, I am praying for all of you as we journey this road together. May you know the presence of God who is all hope and peace.
Grace and Peace be with you all
David