Brunswick Uniting Church Reopening Plan

October-November 2021

Dear Friends,

As we begin to emerge from lockdown, I am writing to tell you our plan for reopening the church for worship. The challenge for us in forming this plan has been to hold our calling to be the church of Jesus Christ open to all together with Government vaccination requirements, number limits and density quotients. There is no perfect way of doing this so that everyone is included at all times. But we have tried to provide opportunities for all to engage with our worship in some way at some time.

Please read this through. If you have any questions send them to the Worship Committee via Saide (0407 096 743 saide.cameron@bigpond.com) or Ian (0438 547 842 iferguson@icloud.com).

Peace be with you.

Ian

Theological Commitments

  • All are welcome at Christ’s table. He places no barrier in the way of those who worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23).
  • Jesus shows a preference for the poor, the marginalised, the vulnerable and excluded (Matthew 25:40).
  • The church’s commitment to inclusion is never absolute. It always stands in tension with Christ’s call to compassion for the vulnerable and powerless, and the commandments to love God and our neighbours as ourselves.
  • Brunswick Uniting Church encourages vaccination as an act of thanksgiving, as an expression of compassion for the vulnerable, as a communal witness to the resurrection, as an act of solidarity with health workers, and a means of loving our neighbours as ourselves. See detailed theological reflections on vaccination (previously circulated).

Re-opening

We will open for in-person worship with two Holy Communion services on Sunday 7th November at 9:30am (for fully vaccinated people and unvaccinated children under 12) and 11:30am (for all comers irrespective of vaccination status). We will continue livestream-only services and Zoom gatherings until then.

Holy Communion

We are one body at the table of Christ. And so, on 7th November, we will provide opportunities for everyone to participate by sharing Holy Communion across 2 services and in our homes.

If you are not able to come to either service for any reason and would still like to receive Holy Communion, please contact the Worship Committee via Ian or Saide. We are happy to bring communion to your home.

Sunday 7th November 9:30am

  • Attendance limit 80 people.
  • Booking via Trybooking required (if unable to access this system please contact Ian or Saide).
  • Bookings open on Monday 1st November.
  • Check-in using the Services Victoria app is required.
  • Proof of vaccination is required at check-in (see below).
  • People with a valid medical exemption and unvaccinated Children under the age of 12 will be admitted. We are awaiting advice from Synod about whether unvaccinated 12-15 year olds may be admitted. This means that there could be a small number of unvaccinated people at this service.
  • Masks must be worn while on the church property except while eating and drinking. We ask that children observe the same masking requirements they have at school.
  • The service will be live-streamed.
  • Morning Tea will be shared after the service in the Hall.

Sunday 7th November 11:30am

  • Attendance limit 30 people.
  • Booking via Trybooking (if unable to access this system please contact Ian or Saide).
  • Bookings open on Monday 1st November.
  • Check-in using the Services Victoria app is required.
  • Vaccination status of attendees will not be asked. Come assuming that there will be unvaccinated people present.
  • Masks must be worn while on the church property except while eating and drinking.
  • Refreshments will be shared after the service in the Olive Way or the Hall.

Booking and Checking-In

  • Booking is essential so that we can manage attendance numbers.
  • Booking via Trybooking.  If you cannot access this system please contact Ian or Saide – we will book you in.
  • On arrival at both services, check-in using the Services Victoria app is required.
    Simplify the process by saving BUC as a “favourite”.
  • A check-in portal will be provided for those without smartphones.

Vaccination Certificates

Where proof of vaccination is required (the 9:30am service), there are three options:

  • Link your vaccination certificate to the Services Victoria app.
  • Show a digital copy of your certificate on your phone.
  • Bring a printed copy.

If you need help linking or printing your certificate please contact our Pastoral Care Compassion Team (Gwen 0413 047 938 gwenarnold@bigpond.com).

We will observe privacy regulations and confidentiality regarding people’s vaccination status.

Future Weeks

  • We are trialling the two services on 7th November. The Worship Committee will review them, and consult with members, to decide whether, when and for how long to continue offering a second service.
  • As restrictions ease we will adapt and change our plan, while continuing to protect the vulnerable and safely welcome all people regardless of vaccination status.
  • We will continue to live-stream our 9:30am Sunday service for at least the rest of this year.