December

COVID Safe settings – New 18/12
The change in COVID safe settings this week means that we no longer need to check vaccination status when you come to worship. We are still required to check in using the Services Victoria app, and we ask you to continue wearing masks in worship while infections are rife. We will discontinue the 11:30 am service from this week.

November

Wearing Masks – NEW 27/11
Dear Friends in Christ,
We have decided to continue asking you to wear masks during worship at our church.

While current COVIDSafe settings no longer require masks in churches, health authorities recommend masks “if you can’t physically distance, have any symptoms, or if you are with people who may be vulnerable to COVID-19.”
We have decided to follow this advice because:

  • The numbers we get to worship make physical distancing impossible.
  • We have a number of members who, although vaccinated, have significant health issues which put them in the vulnerable category.
  • Singing is well known to increase the spread of airborne particles.
  • We have unvaccinated children come to worship.
  • There is a significant amount of virus circulating in the community.

We will review this policy regularly.
Thank you for your understanding.
Peace be with you.
Ian (on behalf of the COVID Reference Group of the Church Council)

COVID Worship Update – NEW 19/11
The easing of restrictions this week means that booking for worship is no longer required. 
We will continue to hold two services: 9:30am (for fully vaccinated people and unvaccinated children under 12) and 11:30am (for all comers irrespective of vaccination status).
9:30 am Service
  • No number limits.
  • Booking not required.
  • Check-in using the Services Victoria app and proof of vaccination are still required.
  • People with a valid medical exemption and unvaccinated Children under the age of 12 will be admitted.
  • We ask that you continue to wear masks for worship while we consult with our vulnerable members – we will review this policy in the coming weeks.
  • We will continue to livestream this service.
  • Morning Tea will be shared after the service in the Hall.

11:30 am Service

  • Attendance limit 50 people.
  • Booking not required.
  • 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.
  • No food sharing is allowed for gatherings where vaccination status is not being checked.

October

Reopening – NEW 28/10

Sunday 7th November
We are holding two services this Sunday in order to balance the call of our faith to welcome all and Government vaccination requirements. With the COVID virus in the air, it is simply not safe for us all to meet together in one gathering. So, we trialing holding two services.

9:30am
Attendance limit 80 including:

  • Double vaccinated people
  • People with a medical exemption
  • Unvaccinated children under 12

Note: there could be a small number of unvaccinated people (mostly children) at this service.

Proof of vaccination or exemption is required at this 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.

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.

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.

This service will be live-streamed.

Bookings are now open.

11:30am
Attendance limit 30 including:

  • Anyone regardless of vaccination status

Vaccination status of attendees will not be asked. Come assuming that there will be unvaccinated people present.

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.

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.

Bookings are now open.

Reopening – NEW 24/10
We are planning to open up for in person worship on Sunday 7th November. Full details here.

Pastoral Letter – NEW 18/10
Ian has offered this Pastoral Letter to the Congregation – Reopening after Lockdown

Worship
Our worship services will be livestreamed from the worship space and made available on YouTube.  Songs, Bible Readings, Children’s Time and Prayers of the People will be pre-recorded and incorporated into the livestream service. Visit the Events Calendar for details about Sunday Chat after worship each week.

Theological Reflections on Vaccination
Ian invites us to reflect on Thanksgiving, Compassion, Incarnation, Community and Loving Neighbour as Self.

Celebrations
The worship committee is working on creative ways to offer a Welcoming Ceremony, our Blessing of the the Animals, 10th October  and the Commissioning of Elders.  More news to come.

Emergence – Visual and Performing Arts Exhibition
The BUC Arts committee is planning for a virtual and in-person exhibition and performance events.  See Emergence-Intention to Submit, due 3rd October and Emergence-Change of Date for details.

September – NEW 2/9

Worship
Our worship services will be pre-recorded and made available on YouTube.  You are also invited to connect for chat through buc.online.church during worship.  Visit the Events Calendar for details about Sunday Chat after worship each week.

Olive Way offers a hot meal during lockdown
During lockdowns we will be offering hot take away meals on Tuesdays at 12pm, please enter via Merri St and observe social distancing, check ins and face masks

Pastoral Care
If you are in need of pastoral care or available to offer your time to provide support or care please contact a member of the Compassion Team.  See the Compassion Team letter for contact details.

August

Olive Way offers a hot meal during lockdown – NEW 20/8
Whilst we were closed for most of 2020 we have been able to open up Olive Way in 2021 using the hall to allow for social distancing. This has allowed us to open for two days, Tuesdays for a hot meal (12pm) and Wednesdays for fresh sandwiches  and fruit (from 10-1:30pm). During lockdowns we will be offering hot take away meals on Tuesdays at 12pm

  • for take away meals please enter via Merri St and observe social distancing, check ins and face masks
  • in non-lockdown periods enter via Sydney Rd

Worship – 22nd & 29th August, NEW 18/8
Our worship will be pre-recorded for these two Sundays and made available on YouTube.  You are also invited to connect for chat through buconline.  Dave Hall will host the Sunday Chats after worship.  We welcome Steph Gesling as our preacher on 22/8 and Fiona Bottcher on 29/8.  Look out for further details in the Olive Press each week.

Pastoral Care letter, NEW 18/8
Please read the letter from the Pastoral Care Compassion Team.
Please note that our minister Ian Ferguson is on leave from 16-30/8.  Please see the letter for contact details of the Ministry And Compassion Teams.

Lockdown continues, NEW 13/8

Sunday Worship
This week’s service, 15th August will be live-streamed only. You can watch it live at 9:30 on Sunday morning or view the recording later.  Go to our YouTube Channel.

Sunday Chat Returns
Jump onto Zoom with a cuppa to catch up with one another and respond to the themes of the service.
11:00 AM Sunday 15th August. Join Zoom Meeting

Responding to Lockdown – NEW 5/8
We hold our community in prayer as we enter into this seven day lockdown.
Here are some of the immediate changes for our congregation in regards to worship:

Sunday Worship
This week’s service, 8th August will be live-streamed only. You can watch it live at 9:30 on Sunday morning or view the recording later.  Go to our YouTube Channel.

Sunday Chat Returns
Jump onto Zoom with a cuppa to catch up with one another and respond to the themes of the service.
11:00 AM Sunday 8th August. Join Zoom Meeting

Olive Way
The Olive Way and related programs will remain closed for the remainder of next week.

Meetings
All our meetings including the Eco-theology conversations series will be held on Zoom.

Olive Way remains closed – NEW 28/7
Sometimes there are no good options. This is the dilemma we face as we emerge from lockdown 5.0. With a very uncertain situation regarding the virus, we find ourselves in a bit of a bind when it comes to opening up Olive Way.  We don’t want to start up and then find that we have to close again.  We are also seeking clarification from our Synod regarding re-opening

It isn’t a particularly joyous decision to keep us closed. I have missed the usual chats, banter, and friendship of our guests and the wonderful collegiality of our volunteers over this past lockdown. Life is just a bit less interesting without the warm and often exciting environment of Olive Way.

 So, with a heavy heart its looking like we’ll be closed until the 10th of August. Nonetheless I will use this time to gear us up to a grand re-opening on that date when we can warmly welcome people back. Stay tuned and hold tight folks.

Peter Blair, Olive Way Pastor

Worship 1st August – NEW 27/7
Worship will be offered in person with a capacity limit of 80 people.  Please book to attend, check in on arrival and wear a mask during worship.

July

Worship 18th July – NEW 15/7
Worship will be offered by live-stream only on Sunday 18th July.  Sadly the Welcoming Ceremony has been postponed.
The Olive Way will be closed on Tuesday 20th July, please check again for confirmation that the program will be open as usual on Wednesday 21st July.

Worship 11th July – NEW 8/7
We are returning to pre-lockdown arrangements (ie 1 person per 2sqm) – no need to book, check in and mask wearing required.

Worship 4th July – NEW 1/7
Worship will be in person and via live stream.  We can have up to 80 people in the church. Please book using this link to register a place.

June

Olive Way – NEW 13/6
The Olive Way program will be open as usual on Tuesday 11:30am-1pm and Wednesday 10am-1pm.  The. Olive Arts program will be open on Wednesday 10am-noon.  Contact Peter Blair, Olive Way Pastor for more information, 0431 193 810

Worship next Sunday – NEW 13/6
Worship will be offered in person and on livestream on Sunday 20th June.  We are anticipating a cap on numbers, possibly 50.  In anticipation we have set up Trybooking again and will monitor and adjust the cap if neccesary.  Please book to attend worship in person.

Emerging from Lockdown – NEW 10/6
Our worship on Sunday 13th June will be pre-recorded.  Everyone is invited to join Ian for a post worship Zoom Chat at 11am.

The Church Council COVID Reference group is waiting for further guidance as we emerge from the two week lockdown.  We are anticipating that there will be a number limit for worship in the foreseeable future with the possible outcome of a return to using Trybooking for those who wish to attend worship in person.  Check here for details re worship on Sunday 20th June.

Peter Blair, Olive Way Pastor, is also waiting for further guidance re opening of the Olive Way.  Watch here for details over the next few days.  If opened we will return to the Main Hall.  Olive Arts will operate alongside the Olive Way if opened.

May

Responding to Lockdown – NEW 27/5
We hold our community in prayer as we enter into this seven day lockdown.
Here are some of the immediate changes for our congregation in regards to worship:

Sunday Worship
This week’s service will be pre-recorded. You can watch it live at 9:30 on Sunday morning or view the recording later.  Go to our YouTube Channel.  An invitation join Church Online will be included with the Saturday worship email.

Sunday Chat Returns
Jump onto Zoom with a cuppa to catch up with one another and respond to the themes of the service.
11:00 AM Sunday 30th May. Join Zoom Meeting

Annual General Meeting
The meeting is on our calendar for 6th June after worship.  If the lockdown is extended beyond 7 days we will look for another date.

Meetings and Gatherings
The church will be closed for the duration of the lockdown.  The Olive Way and Olive Arts program will be cancelled.  Scheduled meetings can go ahead on Zoom if appropriate or otherwise be rescheduled or cancelled.

Pastoral Care
If you or anyone you know is need of support please contact a member of the Compassion Team:  Ian 0438 547 842, Gwen 0413 047 938, Glenice 0414 319 649, Leanne 0449 912 092.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Ian 0438 547 842.

Signing in – NEW 6/5 
Physical sign in sheets will no longer be available at worship since sign in using the QR code became mandatory as of April 23.  If you are unable to use the QR code one of our welcomers will be available to assist you with this important task.

Masks – NEW 6/5
We are continuing to follow health department recommendations by asking Sunday worshippers to wear masks in the church. This includes people who have been vaccinated as health authorities currently don’t have enough information from research to understand whether those vaccinated can pass the virus onto others.
We see this as an expression of our faith:

• to care for the most vulnerable among us, giving them a sense of safety so that all may feel included in our community.
• to give prophetic witness to ongoing healing
• to live out our love for creation
• this reflection by Ian explains these points in detail: https://youtu.be/5dMvQzHostk  

We will review this policy week by week as more people are getting vaccinated.

Morning Tea – NEW 6/5
We offered food with morning tea after worship on 2nd May.  Many thanks to Sheila and Jason.  Food is being served from tables set up alongside the windows.  Servers are hand santizing, wearing masks, serving food with tongs or gloved hands.  There was a buzz of joy and delight in the hall.  Thank you to all who offer this ministry of hospitality – providing and serving food, setting up and serving tea and coffee, cleaning up afterwards.  We would love to welcome more people to these rosters.  Contact Saide, saide.cameron@bigpond.com to offer.

April

Masks during worship – NEW 22/4
During worship on 18th April Ian offered Witnessing to the Body, a reflection on resurrection and mask wearing, focusing on Luke 24:36-49.

Morning Tea – NEW 22/4
We are delighted to be preparing for offering food during morning tea after worship.  The details are being worked on by the COVID safe reference group.  We will offer food for the first time on 2nd May.

March

Masks during worship – NEW 24/3
A number of people have asked whether the easing of restrictions this week means that we don’t have to wear masks in church any more. In the current low risk environment we have decided to give priority to fitting our whole congregation into the church rather than using an overflow space. This means that it is impossible for us to strictly maintain 1.5 metre social distancing during worship. The current restrictions still say that “facemarks must be worn at all times when social distancing cannot be maintained.” And while singing has been allowed in worship for months, the following recommendation still holds: “Singing and chanting in religious settings have been shown to spread the virus. It is best if face masks are worn by congregants when singing occurs.” It is on the basis of these two points that we are continuing to ask people to wear masks during worship at BUC.

Seating capacity & booking – NEW 24/3
The seating capacity for our worship space is now 160 provided everyone is signed in electronically.  If you physically sign in on arrival our welcomers will transfer your details to the Service Victoria site.  Also please note that we are no longer using Trybooking – all you need to do is come to worship.   See you soon.

Worship in March at Brunswick Uniting Church

Welcome to March.  In response to the recent easing of restrictions we have made some changes …

Sunday morning worship will be offered onsite and in person.  We need to continue to attend to a range of COVID safe requirements including

  • social distancing (updated) – the requirement to maintain 1.5 metres space between individuals or household groups remains in place and when this is not possible masks are to be worn.
  • seating (updated) – all pews are now open and available for use, the yellow dots remain in place as a guide for social distancing.
  • mask wearing (updated) – as the opening of all the pews will make it difficult to maintain 1.5 metres distancing, masks are required at all times unless you are leading parts of the worship or receiving Holy Communion
  • Note – A Household group may sit together.
  • hygiene – sanitiser is provided on entry and before Holy Communion, the worship space is thoroughly cleaned before and after worship

Morning Tea (new)

  • Tea and coffee will be provided after worship.  If you would like to assist with setting up and/or serving please contact Saide Cameron, 0407 096 743.
  • We are waiting for further advice before serving food however we will reintroduce it as soon as possible.

Live streaming worship

  • Our worship services will be livestreamed and recorded.
  • The services will be accessible via the BUC YouTube channel at 9:30am.
  • The regular worship email will also be sent out on Sunday afternoon with the link to the recorded service.

 Booking

Signing in

  • you will be asked to check in using the QR code or by signing in.
  • please download the Service Victoria App in preparation for using the QR code.

Overflow (updated)

  • The worship committee will continue to monitor the need for the overflow space in the Youth Hall.
  • Please let contact Saide, saide.cameron@bigpond.com if you would like to be a host in this space.  Details provided.

Feedback

  • The worship committee has been reflecting on our live stream broadcast noting the positives and challenges
  • We’d love to hear from people who have been joining worship by livestream. Please tell us why you are joining by live stream, what that felt like, what worked and how we can improve both in terms of technical issues, visual experience and engagement
  • Please email saide.cameron@bigpond.com with your comments.

Updates

February

Worship in February at Brunswick Uniting Church

 Welcome to February.  We will continue with many of the same processes for worship however there are a few new things to share.

Sunday morning worship will be offered onsite and in person.  We need to attend to a range of COVID safe requirements including

  • social distancing – keep 1.5 metres space between individuals or household groups.
  • To assist with this, every second pew has been roped off and yellow markers placed on the open pews 1.5 metres apart.
  • A Household group may sit together.
  • hygiene – sanitiser is provided on entry, the worship space is thoroughly cleaned before and after worship
  • mask wearing is required at all times unless you are leading parts of the worship or receiving Holy Communion

Live streaming worship

  • Our worship services will be livestreamed and recorded.
  • The services will be accessible via the BUC YouTube channel at 9:30am.
  • The regular worship email will also be sent out on Sunday afternoon with the link to the recorded service.

 Booking

Signing in

  • you will be asked to check in using the QR code or by signing in.
  • please download the Service Victoria App in preparation for using the QR code.
  • New – one of the sign in tables will be moved to the steps to assist with people movement before and during worship

Overflow (new)

  • We are currently limited to 80 people in the worship space.
  • The worship committee will therefore be hosting an overflow space in the Youth Hall.  We can welcome approximately 20 people into this space.  We look forward to sharing this space with you as we worship onsite alongside the main worship space.
  • Please let contact Saide, saide.cameron@bigpond.com if you would like to be a host in this space.  Details provided.

House church (new)

  • Another possibility for sharing worship is to invite people to your place to watch and participate in the livestream worship together and then share morning tea or lunch.

Feedback (new)

  • The worship committee reflected on the live stream worship offered during January noting the positives about this and the challenges experienced
  • We’d love to hear from people who have been joining worship by livestream
  • Please tell us why you are joining by live stream, what that felt like, what worked and how we can improve both in terms of technical issues, visual experience and engagement
  • Please email saide.cameron@bigpond.com with your comments.

Reconnecting

  • Morning Tea will not be provided at the moment.
  • Thankfully though we can stay, chat and catch up in the worship space and outside
  • New You may also like to join a regular group of worshippers at Café Marcella’s just up the road from the church for coffee & cake or maybe even lunch after worship.

Updates

Worship this week – 14th February

Dear Friends,
We hold our community in prayer as we enter into this snap lockdown.
Here are some of the immediate changes for our congregation in regards to worship:

Sunday Worship
This week’s service will be live-streamed. You can watch it live at 9:30 on Sunday morning or view the recording later.
Go to our YouTube Channel

Sunday Chat Returns
Jump onto Zoom with a cuppa to catch up with one another and respond to the themes of the service.
11:00 AM Sunday 14th February.  ZOOM Link

Ash Wednesday Service
Our planned Ash Wednesday service will now happen on Zoom.
A reflective time to enter into the season of Lent.
7:30 PM Wednesday 17th February
ZOOM Link

January

Worship in January (posted 31st December)

As we prepare to farewell 2020 the worship committee is delighted to be sharing our plans for worship in January.

Sunday morning worship will be offered onsite and in person.  Please register your intention to attend here.

We need to attend to a range of COVID safe requirements including

  • social distancing – keep 1.5 metres space between individuals or household groups.
  • To assist with this, every second pew has been roped off and yellow markers placed on the open pews 1.5 metres apart.
  • A Household group may sit together.
  • hygiene – sanitiser is provided on entry, the worship space is thoroughly cleaned before and after worship
  • mask wearing is required at all times unless you are leading parts of the worship or receiving Holy Communion

Signing in

  • you will be asked to check in using the QR code or by signing in.
  • please download the Service Victoria App in preparation for using the QR code.

Live streaming worship

  • Our worship services will be livestreamed and recorded.
  • The services will be accessible via the BUC YouTube channel at 9:30am.
  • The regular worship email will also be sent out on Sunday afternoon with the link to the recorded service.
  • The live stream is being offered as a trial – please provide any comments or feedback about the live stream to saide.cameron@bigond.com

Managing numbers

  • We can only welcome 80 people to the worship space.
  • Please register your intention to attend worship using Trybooking
  • If you arrive for worship and number limits are reached you will be encouraged to access and share the livestream using your personal devices, ie phone, tablet.
  • You may choose to:
    • sit with others in the chairs available in the hall
    • gather in the outdoor spaces
    • go to a local café
  • A welcomer will join and support those in the hall.
  • Don’t let this discourage you from coming! There will be a place for everyone – including visitors and those without access to technology. No one will be turned away, and we are all encouraged to work together to make this possible.

Reconnecting

  • Morning Tea will not be provided at the moment.
  • Thankfully though we can stay, chat and catch up with each other after these many long months apart.

Updates

  • Any changes to these arrangements will be advised by email, Facebook and on this page.