Coronavirus

Updated Wednesday 25 March

The Apostle Paul reminds us: “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.” (Phil. 4:6–7) 

In the midst of uncertainty, we are always called to prayer, to hand our concerns to God. We are assured of his attention and love for us. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) We can entrust ourselves to God and his control over all things. All things are in the hands of our loving Father, he does not fret, so neither do we need to. Instead, we can give our energy to practically responding to others out of love. 

So, we will continue to be a people of prayer and love in response to COVID-19, discerning how to wisely live in these times. You will find below the current advice about how we are responding to what is unfolding in our country.

In light of the Prime Minister’s announcement banning enclosed gatherings in excess of 100 people, the Archbishop of Sydney has decided that the Anglican Church in Sydney should suspend all public church gatherings until further notice. This includes kids club and youth groups.

Small groups however will continue to meet

Sunday services will no longer be meeting in our church building. Kids Club, Youth Group and We Belong will also be suspended until further notice. This is in line with the Australian government and the Sydney Anglican diocese recommendations*. 

From now on, NEAC church services will be streamed online at https://www.neac.com.au/sunday/ at 10am and 6.30pm on Sunday.

We encourage people to gather together at 10am and 6.30pm in their small group locations to form ‘watching parties’. Get together as a small group, set up the website on a laptop or television and do church together. This way we can continue to enjoy fellowship and community together, in smaller gatherings, while being encouraged from the Bible.

For the younger members of your families, Lil Church will be filmed and be available online with activities so that your children can still be learning about Jesus.

*Read more of the Archbishop’s remarks

Continue to meet together in small groups
This time of social distancing and self-isolation, can be an isolating experience for many in our church
It was during great hardship that the writer of Hebrews encouraged God’s people not to give up meeting together, as some were in the habit of doing, but to instead encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25). This is a time to find ways to encourage one another.

Where it is possible, there is still so much value in meeting in person for small groups. If the place you meet does not allow 1.5m social distancing or you are feeling cautious about meeting then please contact us to arrange alternate meeting options including video. If you do meet together in person for small groups, please use a higher level of hygiene. Take care when preparing any food, and wash your hands regularly.

Check in with more vulnerable people in your congregation
Do you know any one in your congregation who is more at risk from coronavirus? Contact people who are ill or older, or work in the medical field, to find out how you can help them. You can pray for them over the phone or offer practical love, such as picking up groceries.

Offer practical help to those in isolation
Jesus calls us to be a people who love our neighbour, more than ourselves. This time of uncertainty, is not a time to be focussing inward, but an opportunity to share God’s overwhelming love with those around us.  

Letter box those around you, offering practical support to those in isolation. Offer to pick up groceries or even just a friendly phone call, to those who are isolated.  Write a personal letter you could deliver to your neighbour’s letter boxes or use these flyers

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at hello@neac.com.au or by phone at (02) 9557 2043

NEAC will be continuing to follow the recommendations of the NSW Government throughout this period. If you would you like more information about COVID-19 please go to  http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx