Covid-19

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+ UPDATE: Church Services Commencing on December 5

The elders met and gave prayerful consideration as to how we can meet together for worship, given the current restrictions. We pray and trust that the situation in which we find ourselves will not last any longer than necessary, but in any case we need to have a plan.

The elders have reached these decisions in accordance with the need to love and care for our church family as a whole.

Should the current restrictions remain, the elders have resolved that commencing on December 5th we will be conducting two services (8:30 AM and 6:30 PM), which are open to everyone. These services will be ticketed in accordance with the restriction numbers that apply at the time. Note that the 6:30 PM service will be a different service with a different message.

We will also be conducting a vaccinated service at 10:30 AM, with the same message and songs as the morning services, but with consideration of the needs of those who are at higher risk, and feel safe in a congregation where all those in attendance are vaccinated.

We stress that these plans are subject to change dependent on the restrictions in place at the time.

+ Presbyterian Church of Australia Statement Regarding Vaccination and Public Worship

(1) Exhort all members and ministers to work hard at maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, treating issues of vaccination as a matter of liberty of conscience not determined by church law (Rom. 14:22, 15:4; WCF chapter 20).

(2) Affirm that in light of the Bible’s teaching on the free offer of the gospel and the unity of the Church, the Presbyterian Church of Australia does not desire anyone to be denied entry for the public worship of God on the grounds of their vaccination status.

+ Q: Why have you changed the services from what you had originally planned for December?

A: The Victorian Chief Health Officer's Directions has changed since plans were made to commence services in person. As a result, changes were made to the previous plans in order to maximise the number of people able to worship together. We understand that there is no ideal way to run our services while the restrictions are still in place, but we trust the Lord in His enabling for us to worship together in person under these circumstances and continue to pray that these restrictions will be removed soon.

+ Q: What services is Donvale running?

A: Unless restrictions are changed or lifted, the 8:30am service is open to everyone and we are running an identical service at 10:30am for those who are vaccinated to enable those who can only be amongst the vaccinated, to attend, and also to maximise the number of people able to worship together. We are also running a 6:30pm service for those wishing to attend an evening service. We intend to have a video series on the book of Job by Dr Derek Thomas which will take the place of the message in the evenings during December and into the new year. At this stage you will need to register for this service as it is open to everyone.

+ Q: I am unvaccinated. Can I attend?

A: Absolutely! The 8:30am service and the 6:30pm service are open to everyone. Please register for a place at the service(s) you wish to attend. Note that the messages at these services are not the same. You may wish to attend both.

+ Q: I am vaccinated but I am more vulnerable to COVID, is there a service I can attend?

A: Absolutely! Aware that some of us are vaccinated but vulnerable and are keen to worship in person with others, our 10:30am service will be for those who are vaccinated.

+ Q: Do I need a ticket to attend a service?

A: Tickets are required for the 8:30am and 6:30pm services as there is a limit on how many can gather at services where vaccination status is undeclared, so please register for a place at the service(s) you wish to attend. Note that the message at the 6:30pm service is not the same as the morning services. A ticket is not required for the 10:30am service.

+ Q: I am a healthcare worker/work with the vulnerable, and I believe that it would be safer for me to worship with others who are vaccinated to keep my patients/clients safe. Is there are service I can attend?

A: Absolutely! Our 10:30am service is for those who are vaccinated. A ticket is not required.

+ Q: Do I have to register my child under the age of 12yrs?

A: Anyone over the age of 12 months (1 year old) will need a ticket to attend the 8:30am and 6:30pm services. A ticket is not required for the 10:30am service.

+ Q: Why is there only 1 service for the vaccinated when the restriction limit on gatherings for the vaccinated is much higher and will allow more people to worship together?

A: We believe that the church is open to all, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated and therefore we wish to open our services to all (whether vaccinated or unvaccinated) to attend. We are running one service in the morning (10:30am) to enable those who, for various reasons, can only be amongst the vaccinated. We believe that by doing so, we are not rejecting anyone wishing to worship together in person.

+ Q: Do I still need to check-in using the QR code when I arrive at a service?

A: Yes, this is still a requirement for all services. If you do not use a smartphone, or you are unable to scan the code, there is a computer at the entrance where you can check-in by entering your details.

+ Q: Do I need to show my vaccination certificate when I arrive at a service?

A: For the 8:30am and 6:30pm services, you will NOT be required to show us your vaccination certificate. For the 10:30am service, you will be required to show us your vaccination certificate. You can show us on your Service Victoria app after you have checked-in with the QR code, or a printed copy of your certificate.

+ Q: Will there be further changes?

A: As circumstances change, we will continue to review the impact on our services. Changes will occur if it is beneficial to the church.