It is a bit of a struggle to feel properly connected as a church at the moment. Usually, on a Sunday, we can connect with between 50 to 70 people. Those encounters may be no more than a smile and handshake at the door, but they are significant to feel belonging. Despite best intentions, there is little we can do that adequately replaces this vital connection that comes when we gather face to face.
Life is taking some small steps forward towards renewing our connection to God and one another. There is still some way to go, but I hope the following information might help you see how we continue to be working to meet the challenges that are before us.
- Preparing for Gathered Worship
Current restrictions in Queensland allow for up to 20 people to gather for worship. At this stage, we are choosing to work towards a mid-July date when we think we will be able to have up to 40 people gathered in St David's at one time. We know when we return, we will need to be ready to continue to provide for those unable to join face to face. There are some logistical and technical challenges we are working on, and this time allows us to get prepared.
When we return, it appears that we will still need to implement physical distancing practices. These will include no gathering before or after the service, use of hand sanitiser, communion with bread only, registration before attending and potentially no communal singing.
I applaud those of you who are finding ways of gathering in smaller groups in private homes to share worship. I think with the current limitations that this might provide a more satisfying sense of community for some to consider. Perhaps you might let me know if you are interested in this option.
- Crows Nest
We continue to partner with Crows Nest Parish as we seek to support one another in our shared mission. This week I was able to help them from a technological perspective to allow their Parish Council to meet for the first time in some months. They continue to express gratitude for the partnership, particularly in recent times. It is worth noting that the Crows Nest parish has provided financial support to help make our new website and phone app possible.
- Parish Building Project
This week saw the completion of the demolition work to remove the Tennis Court. You will notice in the photographs the care that has been given to protect the Pine Tree, which is some 150 years old. Further work will be done in the coming months to connect utilities to the blocks in preparation for sale.
We are certainly hoping to be engaging builders to complete the internal refurbishment and necessary maintenance work in St David's later this year.
- Memorial Hall Use
We have several community groups preparing to begin using our Memorial Hall as soon as possible. There continue to be strict guidelines and practices to be put in place to make this possible.
- Sale of Pews
We have begun to sell some of the pews that were removed from the Church. These pews were approved for removal by the Archbishop as part of the reconfiguration. A period of advertising to promote their sale concluded at the end of March. This period provided an opportunity for people to show interest in purchasing one of 20 pews available. At this stage, about half of these pews remain available for sale at $400 each.