It continues to be my privilege to encourage and support the ministry and mission of your congregations during this important time of transition. Today I write to you from ‘quarantine’, not because I am sick, but because I have taken some leave and travelled to visit my family in Darwin. The police came to the front gate to check I am doing the right thing and we are praying that restrictions in the NT will continue to be lifted (as planned) in time for the baptism of our granddaughter in early July.

As restrictions are slowly being lifted, I continue to pray for the many activities that you are preparing for. The Crisis Management Team continues to encourage the Uniting Church in SA to move with caution, to plan well and to follow the guidelines provided by the SA Government. We join together in prayer for those who remain sick, those who have lost loved ones during this time, those who are struggling with physical distancing, social isolation and economic hardship, for the situation in Victoria and many countries around the world who are feeling overwhelmed by this pandemic.

Our feedback from congregations tells us that there are three primary issues that continue to create confusion. We agree that it is difficult to make decisions when the details are sketchy. In relation to;

• 2 sqm rule – Congregations should plan for the capacity of 1 person per 2 sqm (this equates to be approximately 50% of the usual seating capacity). Managing the movement of people getting into and out of the worship area/ church hall is important.
• Hospitality – We continue to encourage BYO morning tea and food seated at tables. Servers in the kitchen may serve individual plates of food to people sitting at tables in the hall. Drinks may be served from a servery but physical distancing still needs to be maintained. No sharing of food or beverages using shared/self/serve utensils.
• Children’s and Youth Ministry – Children and youth activities are encouraged when there is good planning, consistent with the guidelines. Playgroups can now open. Special attention should be paid to cleaning shared toys before and after activities. We encourage good hand hygiene practices.