As we are all aware, we live in interesting times.
The developing COVID-19 state of emergency and our society’s responses to it means that communities of faith members, whose practices have lasted for generations, have been disrupted in the interest of the safety of us all.
For some people in our congregations and communities this will be a time of fear and uncertainty, but for others this will be seen as an opportunity for us to change and grow, and there will be almost every combination of feelings in between.
In times like this, particularly when there are people at high risk not only of disease, but of disconnection and hopelessness, it is important for us as a Church to look at how we can support each other and our communities.
Self-care
While it should be self-evident that our members are encouraged to follow the instructions provided by our medical experts with regards to change, it is also important for those who are giving of themselves for the benefit of our communities to practice good self-care.
This includes the obvious needs for adequate food and times of rest, but should also include care for your spiritual and mental health.
One particular risk at this time is the relentless news cycle that continues to bring additional concerns into our homes and minds, please be careful to take time away from this to listen to good news stories, have a laugh or practice those activities that give you life that are still possible under our current restrictions.
If you would like to see a list of ideas gathered from resource people from our Synod and the broader church, please click here.
Caring for our congregations
With the loss of our ability to have our regular gatherings and activities, many people from our congregations and associated communities may be feeling sensations of loss and dislocation in addition to that of the broader community.
There will also be diversity in language and technical access between congregations and within them.
One of the key issues has been raised with the Presbytery Resource Team in their contacts with congregations has been that of concern for the finances of congregations and the well-being of those who have taken positions as Church Council Treasurers. We are pleased to announce that Ps Marilyn Price has been temporarily redeployed from Prison Chaplaincy to assist as our Congregation Treasurer Support Project Officer. The Presbytery also wish to remind our congregational leaders that it is essential that communication regarding the financial state of their congregations be maintained with their members in an open yet pastoral fashion. Their intent should not just be that they may meet their own financial commitments so as to put them on a solid basis once we leave this current situation, but also so that we may have the freedom to continue to support those bodies who we partner with in mission. Marilyn can be contacted by email at mprice2@optusnet.com.au or on 0413 262 166.
If you would like to see a list of ideas gathered from resource people from our Synod and the broader church, please click here.
Finding new ways to feed our faith
While we have lost a number of ways in which we have traditionally nurtured our faith and grown together as disciples, different communities are making resources available for congregations and individuals to use. These range from full streamed worship services, to printed Bible studies that people can do in small groups or home alone.
If you would like to see a list of ideas gathered from resource people from our Synod and the broader church, please click here.
Reaching out to our community
It is important for us to remember that it is not just us whose lives have been disrupted by the current situation.
Historically the church has more often grown in times of difficulty because of its message of hope and love and its ability to show these characteristics in action.
If you would like to see a list of ideas gathered from resource people from our Synod and the broader church, please click here.
Online Group Support
A resource that some leaders have found particularly useful has been gathering together using Zoom to connect as well as having opportunities to share ideas, request resources and receive training.
At this stage these are held on a Thursday, with a lay leaders gathering in the morning and a ministry agent gathering in the afternoon.
If you would like to participate in these sessions, please contact Dr Elaine Ledgerwood, Presbytery Minister- VET Sector at elaine.ledgerwood@wa.uca.org.au.
General Resources
We have collected a number of resources which are useful in across two or more of the areas of mission that this page is organised under. These will be collected in this section.
Praying in a Pandemic booklet
Many people, even those who have significant pastoral experience, can find themselves struggling for words in the face of significant global events such as this one. Rev Dr Christine Sorensen, Presbytery Minister (Formation and Discipleship) has collated some prayers from our broader tradition and also some from contemporary writers that you may find useful either to use personally, in your contacts, or to distribute to those who feel isolated at this time.
This has been prepared as a printable file for ease of distribution. Praying in a Pandemic booklet (PDF, 922kb)
Community Support Services and Referral Information
We are well aware that as we intentionally connect with our congregations and our neighbours, situations may arise which our members and leaders will find to be beyond their ability to respond to.
It is important that we all have an understanding of our limits as caring people and to be willing to help those we are helping to engage with appropriate supporting services.
To assist with this process Cindy Gorton, Synod Executive Officer for Culture of Safety, will be developing guides to some of the services that are available in Western Australia.
- Community Helplines (PDF, 557kb)
Copyright update: Live-streaming
Margaret Johnston, Culture of Safety Research Officer for the Uniting Church WA, provides a copyright update to the article she shared.
“The copyright agency OneLicense is offering a Limited Podcast/Streaming License which will be of interest for those of you who pre-record self-made content or live stream services over the internet. It allows the streaming of as many services as you like for one year from 16 April 2020,” she writes.
Read more here.
A shared meal apart for Holy Communion
Rev Ivan Clark shares the order he uses to provide a sacramental experience to those who cannot join communion electronically.
- Shared meal apart resource. (PDF, 114kb)
Connect with us on Social Media
- Please feel free to discuss on our Facebook group, Equip Education Team.
- To unite in prayer, join our Facebook page, The Uniting Church WA Prayer Venue.
