The words of James seem particularly pertinent for the time we are in: Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. James 4:13-16
At present we are well aware how all our plans need to be held lightly, however in order to make steps toward regathering on Sundays the approach will be to take it one month at a time, then reassess. Currently restrictions applying to worship services include: The number of congregants allowed on a premise is capped at 100; singing is not allowed, morning tea and mingling afterward is discouraged, and there are requirements for cleaning and social distancing. We must have a COVID safe plan documented, and contact details of everyone who attends must be recorded and kept on file. All of this means that some of the things we would normally do, and value, at church are not possible for this season.
However, as I and the elders have been in touch with many of you, we are mostly hearing that a lot of you are keen to get back to meeting in some way at St Aidan’s. So, here is a tentative plan for for August, listed by congregation size.
Church@5 – has restarted
Our 5pm service has been meeting for the past three Sundays at St Aidan's. The St Aidan’s church building can accommodate 40 people from 26 families. All from church@5 could attend physically, but some are choosing to join by Zoom instead. We now have a good setup for linking the physical gathering to those joining on Zoom. The service can also be projected in the church hall as an overflow if that is required. There is no congregational singing, but we have been having two songs. It’s a slightly shorter than usual service. There is no dinner at the hall, but an encouragement to invite others home or out for dinner afterward.
9 O’Clock Church – plan to restart on 2 August
Our 9am service is where several of our older members attend, and is therefore the more vulnerable group. However, as we've contacted members there is a general keenness to return, though some will stay away for now. We could probably accommodate a normal attendance in St Aidan’s church (40 people from 26 families), an overflow into the hall can be provided if the numbers were exceeded. It would be a shorter service like currently at 5pm. Those not wanting to join physically could join either by Zoom, or use the pre-recorded Online Service which we will continue to produce. We won't start morning tea at this stage, but members would be encouraged to share hospitality in homes or elsewhere after.
ten30Church – plan to restart 9 August
This is the more logistically difficult because of numbers (generally > 100) and because of a large number of children (hard to keep them in one place). But again I’ve been hearing from most people I chat to that they are keen to be back, and for kids church to be back. Here’s how it could work.This week Corinne and I visited Tulloch Lodge (which we now own), and we’ve got the green light to use the hall there for Kids Church on Sunday mornings. Parents could drop kids at the Tulloch Hall, then come over to St Aidan’s and older kids and adults have Church in the carpark. The front of the demountable building would be the stage, and if everyone brings their own camp chair they pop it down where they like. Using two premises our numbers can be accommodated, it’d be a shorter service, with music but no singing, and no morning tea to begin with, but people could go to lunch afterwards.Obviously rain may be an issue, but we will keep doing the Online Service for those who are not wanting to come back yet and also as a wet weather back-up.
Proverbs 15:22 says that 'Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.' So I am keen to hear your thoughts on the above, or be in touch with your elder. I realise there are concessions being made and that the above approach won't excite everyone (but I'm feeling a bit excited about this). As I said, we're taking this a month at a time, and I am praying that God would continue to help us to serve and honour Him as his Church at St Aidan's.
This Sunday - Hebrews 8:1-13
We return to our series in Hebrews looking at the difference between the Old and New Covenants. The human priesthood anticipates the priesthood of Jesus, who serves in heaven! The New Covenant is superior and will reveal to us the grace and forgiveness of God in Jesus. Next week, Hebrews 9.
As we plan for gathering again in person now is a great time to join together with others in your church family in homes for the Online Service provided via our website or on DVD. You can also join in the Zoom morning tea at 10am. Church@5 is able to meet in person at St Aidan's with social distancing and also on Zoom. The Zoom meeting details are: ID 777-000-0712. Or to phone in call 02 8015 6011 then you'll be asked to enter the Meeting ID followed by # and then # again.
Kids Church News
Matthew 28:16-20
Welcome to Term 3! I hope the holidays were relaxing and fun for you all. This term we are going to think about the Good News that we have in Jesus' death and resurrection. We will look at passages that encourage us to be sharing this Good News and others that show us examples of people in the Bible sharing the Good News. Over the term we will also learn some ways to share the Good News with our friends and family. I feel excited about this term and excited at the prospect of being able to meet together in person soon.
This week we start by looking at The Great Commission. Jesus told his followers to go make disciples of all the nations encouraging them to share Jesus commands. He ends with telling them He will be with them always. It is very Good News that we have that Jesus died and rose again so that we can be saved from God's anger. Can you think of one of your friends that you can share this Good News with? Next week: Acts 1:3-11
Other news
Congratulations Tim and Jess!
It's with much excitement that the Tim, Jess, and James Bemand have announced that in the early hours of this morning Emily Edith was born! Both mum and baby are doing well. We Give thanks to God for this precious gift.
Men's event - Saturday August 8
We're livestreaming the Katoomba Men's Convention. This is a great opportunity for the men of St Aidan's to gather and be encouraged by God's word. Register online, and let Rowland Alcorn (0458 704 118) or
Chris Scott (0437 693 317) know that you're coming.
PWA Lego Fundraiser
Due to the Covid 19, the PWA has been unable to conduct its usual activities for charities and organisations of the church. As an alternative the large Lego Collection of James Jessiman is for sale to raise funds. If you are interested in purchasing some of the many Lego sets available contact Robyn Jessiman to make an appointment. Robyn lives next door to St Aidan's, her number is 69 251 060.
Thanksgiving Sunday
Thank you to many of you who gave an extra financial gift for Thanksgiving Sunday. Gifts are received throughout June and July if you would like to contribute.
Here's a video from Sonja to all her supporters. For the last eight years we have supported our friend Sonja as she has served in ministry in Singapore. Sonja has now returned to Australia and is serving at a church in Brisbane.
To stay up to date with our online church events, visit staidanswagga.org.au and like us on Facebook.
