From: Burke, Kate Sent: Tuesday, 26 May 2020 2:48 PM Subject: a message to pastors and Church Councils on the easing of restrictions and considerations for return to gathering in worship Attachments: Attachment 1 COVID-19 Bishop's Update Vic-Tas 15 May.pdf; Attachment 2 consderations for safe return to worship.pdf; Attachment 3 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR CONGREGATIONS 20200525.pdf Importance: High Dear Pastors and Office bearers With the welcome news of the easing of restrictions for small worship gatherings we understand congregations are planning to gather again in worship in the next few weeks. We pray that this will be a time of joy and spiritual refreshment for all. With this in mind we ask that you be patient and responsible as there are many considerations in returning to worship in order to be safe and to be compliant. Please see Attachment 1 Bishop Lester’s message 15 May. In addition attachment 2 is a spreadsheet of practical steps to consider and attachment three is a series of questions and answers. We sincerely ask that pastors and leaders remember that COVID – 19 is still a significant threat to our population and so continue to abide by your state government’s legislation on gathering to the letter, regarding the number of people gathering together (Ten this Sunday and twenty from 01 June in Victoria) and the one person per 4 square metre rule plus 1.5 meter distancing. You should be able to readily demonstrate that this has been abided by. Please ask attending members to sign in and provide hand sanitiser and multiple pens to reduce infection risk. In the event of a local outbreak it will be necessary that the records are quickly available to the department of health. Please observe the passing of the peace verbally only and please make an announcement to this effect. While people may be attentive to physical distancing and other actions related to reducing infection while in church, both arriving at, and more particularly leaving after church, may be points where members inadvertently cross boundaries. It is important to remind members that they must still be observant of the government guidelines out of consideration for one another and the local community. It is also important that we are seen as a church to be compliant and considerate. Therefore it may be wise to make an announcement to this effect prior to leaving the service and also have a person appointed to guide people who may linger. We would also ask that you review the way in which the service was conducted each week to ensure that any possible risks are identified and dealt with before the next Sunday. Yours in Christ Pastor Lester Priebbenow District Bishop, Victoria and Tasmania Kate Burke | Executive Assistant 755 Station Street, Box Hill VIC 3128 Tel: 03 9236 1201 Fax: 03 9236 1222 kate.burke@lca.org.au | www.vic.lca.org.au As the LCA continues to respond to the COVID 19 situation we suggest that you check the LCA COVID 19 response page (updated frequently) as the primary resource. If you are not receiving the LCA eNews we suggest that you take time to subscribe so you are aware of the supports and resources available from the LCA. You can also view material on the LCA Victorian District website on the COVID 19 Resources Tabs and drop down menu for resource sharing and FAQs The information contained in this email, and any attachments to it, are for the use of the intended recipient and are confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not use, commercialise, disclose, read, forward, copy or retain any of the information. If you have received this email in error, please delete it and notify the sender by return email. The LCA does not warrant that any attachments are free from viruses or any other defects. You assume all liability for any loss, damage, or other consequences, which may arise from opening or using the attachments. Unless otherwise expressly stated by an authorized representative of the LCA any views, opinions and other information expressed in this message and any attachments are solely those of the sender and do not constitute formal views or opinions of the LCA.