LATEST UPDATE 24/03/2020

Dear Church,

Our Pastoral Leadership Team of Elders (Keith & Rob) and Pastors (Warren & myself) met again this morning (this time online via Zoom) for our weekly meeting which included further consideration and discussions around how the additional restrictions announced by the PM Scott Morrison, on Sunday night, and the NSW Premier Gladys Berijiklian on Monday morning, would impact the way we function as a community.

It was clear to all of us that these new changes/restrictions, designed to combat COVID-19, and which include ‘places of worship’ having to be closed from midday yesterday, meant that we have now moved to being at Red Level 3 (see graphic below used in previous correspondence). This means church closure and moving online.

As of tomorrow the following is what now changes to help us maintain being a church community in this new context:

1- Pastors are still able to work from their offices but the church building itself will be closed during the week as well, not just suspension of services;
2- Home Groups will need to shift to being online via Zoom (or Google Meet, or some other similar application/program);
3- Pastor Warren will be our go to for helping HG leaders and members to use Zoom – please contact him if you have any questions about using it;
4- Pastors Glen and Warren will work on recording an abridged online ’Sunday Service’ that will be recorded in the ‘Church Auditorium’ which will include: Prayers, Bible Reading, and a Sermon. Video will be uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo and the audio version on the CHBC website. See this Friday’s Bulletin for further details. Further work will be done on ways of incorporating worship (songs) in future weeks;
5- This week Home Groups work through the sermonette and questions, as per previous correspondence, but with the addition of it being done together online. From next week they can choose to continue to discuss the ’Sunday Sermon’ and passage or return to the what they were previously focused on as a group;
6- Ministry Leaders are encouraged to consider how they may be able to adapt and provide online options for their particular ministries and then share those with Rob Eyb;
7- The Pastoral Care Team are meeting this Thursday, and they will be talking about the ways that they can continue to help provide pastoral care, which will include a significant increase in pastoral care phone calls, etc.;
8- Diaconate Meetings will be conducted via Zoom; and
9- The New Bulletin will be modified further, noting the changed approach around sermons/sermonettes.

This is not forever, and we look forward to the time when we will once again be able to come together in person, to encourage one another, worship together, pray together, and open God’s word together. It will be a beautiful day! But until then we rejoice that the technology exists for us to connect and continue to gather together in a new way.

We are also very aware of those in our community who do not have access to online options and we will continue to provide hard copies and alternate electronic recording for them to continue to remain connected, encouraged and built up as a part of our community.

Also, many of you have been reacting to the changes circumstances we find ourselves in by coming up with new and creative ways of being and connecting as a community. Some of those we have been able to incorporate, while sadly others have not been possible. Please keep those ideas coming and don’t be discouraged if we are unable to say yes.

Lastly, it is really important for us to know if you are receiving the correspondence we are sending out, so please reply email (not reply all) to let us know that you have received this email (and other emails and SMS’s sent by the PLT). We don’t want anyone falling through the cracks as we boldly and bravely make our way in this new world.

Be encouraged by God’s word, in Hebrews 12:1-2:
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and … let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

On Behalf of the CHBC Leadership
Your Brother in Christ
Pastor Glen

Rev. Glen Devenish
Lead Pastor
Cardiff Heights Baptist Church
glen@cardiffheightsbaptist.org.au
0421 187 076
[Days off – Monday & Saturday]

James 1:19 – Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

CONNECT

FOR MEN

CONNECT

FOR YOUNG ADULTS

All young adults are invited to take part in our monthly social events. These relaxed gatherings are designed to provide an opportunity for young adults to build friendships and enjoy sharing life together! In addition, young adults are welcome to join a weekly bible study.

EVENTS

A MESSAGE