Coronavirus Update
Updated: 28-07-20
We have limited programs running including Healing Rooms
Open for prayer ministry Thursday 4:30 - 6:30pm
Sunday night Healing Service 2nd Sunday of each month at 6:30pm
Every other Sunday at 6:30pm we are holding open house fellowship.
All welcome for healing prayer.
To maintain a safe worship environment, we kindly ask that if any of the following apply to you, please do not attend the services:
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If you feel unwell or are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 (eg: fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, sneezing/runny nose or loss of sense of smell)
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If you have COVID-19 or are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test;
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If you have been in close contact with any known or suspected cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days;
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If you have travelled from an identified hotspot within Australia or any overseas location in the past 14 days.
Instead, we warmly invite you to join us online for Church Online, at home.
Updated: 21-03-20
Responding Pastorally to the Coronavirus
Due to the nature of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Australian Government is now taking necessary steps to contain and manage the spread of this virus. In keeping with the recommendations from the Australian Government, the Baptist Unions around Australia are recommending that Churches also take necessary steps to be prepared to keep our church community safe.
We begin by saying:
Remember that God is with us. In Hebrews 13:5b God assures us “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you”. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and Jesus said that he is with us even to the end of the age. In the times when we may feel alone or find ourselves isolated, God is still with us. There is nowhere that we can be where God is not.
The Coffs Harbour Baptist Church Leadership Team have met to discuss the evolving Coronavirus situation. Based on information currently available, also following the Government directives, they have made the difficult decision that we will not be having physical gatherings from this Sunday (22nd march 2020). However, we are exploring creative ways to meet together and to maintain support and care for our church community.
During this week and in the coming weeks we will be working hard to develop ways for us to share the gospel and maintain our spiritual health. We will provide more information about this in the coming days. We are a family and this is a time when we need to support each other. Ephesians 5:19 asks as to “speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Our goal is to encourage and care for our church community.
Some people may find being separated from the church community a bit more challenging. They may not have internet resources; they may have limited social support. If you know people who will find it difficult, perhaps you can help them or let us know and we will see what we can do for them. If you find yourself needing to self-isolate, please call us. We are here to support you. Let us know how we can help.
At this stage we are planning week-by-week and will update this page with the latest information. Our mid-week groups and ministries are currently being evaluated and as we make decisions we will let those involved know.
An extraordinary predicament can create extraordinary opportunities. Our prayers are that we continue to be the light to the world by offering hope and encouragement. We appreciate your prayers and will come back to you later in the week as things continue to unfold.
God bless,
Chris, Lisa and the Leadership Team
Responding to Containment Recommendations
To help prevent the further spread of coronavirus we are following all health and hygiene recommendations and have implemented a range of strategies including:
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Providing online options for those unable to attend physically.
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Assembling a care team to support those who may find themselves isolated or need help
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Changing our greeting style to minimise risk of touching hands/faces.
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Sanitising common areas, equipment, and other facilities.
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Co-ordinating with external groups as they use our venue spaces.
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Praying for our government leaders, health professionals and for those affected by the virus.
To help our community please PRAY and:
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Trust God. No matter how dire circumstances get, the Lord remains our refuge and strength, “an ever-present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1).
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Pray for our government leaders, health professionals and for those affected by the virus.
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Practice good personal hygiene by regularly washing your hands.
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Avoid non-essential physical touch with others.
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If you are sick or have cold/flu-like symptoms, consider calling your GP and please do not attend church services or other church gatherings such as mid-week events, and cell groups etc.
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If you have recently travelled overseas, the current Australian Government restrictions require you to follow self-isolation guidelines.
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If you need to quarantine yourself for any reason, please call the office. We are here to support you. Let us know how we can help.
For current information on the coronavirus from the Australian Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
How can we serve you?
For ongoing support our church office will remain open and functioning during our usual office hours.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 1pm
If you are in need of assistance, please call the church at 02 5632 4030 or fill out the form below.
If you are in need of assistance, please call the church at 02 5632 4030 or fill out the form below.
