Letter from the Moderator (5 May 20) - update about the Leaders of Christian Churches meeting yesterday

Dear Ministers and leaders of congregations

5 May 2020

Contents:

Update about the Leaders of Christian Churches meeting on Monday, 4 May
Encouragement to have discussions about future ministry priorities
At this point, no restrictions have changed in SA. Synod will inform any changes
Reflect on the most vulnerable across the world

We have now spent over seven weeks doing things very differently as we have managed the changes in our congregational and personal lives. There has not just been one major change but multiple adaptations to make, with many happening at short notice. I am grateful that you as Ministers and leaders of the Uniting Church have been adaptable and creative in ministering in many different and innovative ways.

I am regularly hearing stories of connections being made with people on the fringes of congregations and how God has spoken to people through the online and printed worship resources. I have been surprised at the ways in which people have engaged with a wide diversity of resources to support their worship and devotional life.

As our landscape changes and we continually adapt, it is often difficult to respond to the sometimes conflicting needs of congregations and individuals. Thank you for your flexibility and willingness to listen to the different voices. I recognise the extra workload and challenges of ministering in these uncertain times.

Yesterday the Leaders of Christian Churches in South Australia met to consider a way forward for churches when current restrictions start to be eased. As a follow up to this, a group of us will be meeting with the Premier tomorrow to discuss an ordered process. Some congregations and Ministers are seeking for restrictions on churches to be relaxed as soon as possible while others are uncertain about the benefits and desirability of changing too quickly. This may be a time to evaluate which of the activities that are currently being undertaken are worth continuing, and what might be the priorities when restrictions are relaxed. There are very few congregations that can manage both the ministry of this time and what was happening previously. I encourage Church Councils and Ministry colleagues to have discussions about future ministry priorities in preparation for any changed circumstances. At this stage, nothing has changed in relation to requirements for places of worship, and I am uncertain when there will be any easing of restrictions in South Australia. I am thankful for your perseverance and assure you that the Synod is continuing to actively monitor both state and federal government responses. Synod will inform you when there is any change.

I am aware that for many congregations, the financial future is uncertain, especially when Government assistance concludes. I encourage Church Councils to look at their budgets early and seek advice at the early stages of planning any changes. We recognise it is not only our own churches which are struggling, but across the world many of our partner churches are greatly affected by the impact of COVID-19. I encourage Ministers to reflect theologically on Christ’s call to the most vulnerable across the world and to add these reflections to their worship offerings to their congregations.

The church at the end of this pandemic will be different to the church we knew last year and as we move towards Pentecost, we see signs of the Holy Spirit encouraging and sustaining us as we all prepare for something new and wonderful. That is the enduring hope given to us at Easter and the great expectation of what God can do in the world.

Blessings in your ministries.