Latest COVID Cautions
Advice for Church Services and Carols outside Sydney 

Friends, pray for churches in the North Sydney Region, as the Archbishop has directed all Anglican churches in that region to close this Sunday and only to hold services online. He also encourages churches elsewhere in Sydney to be cautious, for example, increasing the encouragement to wear masks indoors (and not just when singing). 

However the Archbishop has advised us as follows: 
Churches in the mountains and the Wollongong Region, being fairly distant from the Northern Beaches, should maintain their normal COVID-19 protocols for church.

This is consistent with comments from the NSW Premier, which focused extra "consider staying home" advice only to metropolitan Sydney, not wider NSW. 

It is stressful to make decisions at short notice. So I am grateful for a well-experienced ministry team. Having consulted quickly, we see no need to change existing cautions for this weekend for Church in the morning, and Carols on the Lawn at night (where there is still plenty of numbers to book for the 8pm late show - see below).

However people will be asked on arrival if they have any symptoms of relevant ill-health, and also if they have visited the northern beaches hotspots. In either case, if the answer is affirmative, we ask you to self-exclude and remain at home. 

We also remind you that you must remain seated during indoor and outdoor gatherings, except when going to the toilet or other essential activity. This means it would be wise to BYO rugs or lower chairs for Carols on the Lawn. 

Please note the “strong advice” to wear masks while singing indoors, while still respecting individual choice. If singing, please consider singing softly. 

We will not be handing out songbooks for Carols on the lawn, but you can download an electronic version of lyrics for your smartphone or tablet via:

• 5pm Family Carols - bit.ly/CotL5pm
• 8pm Late Show Carols - bit.ly/CotL8pm

It is essential not only to book but to bring your tickets for the Carols on Lawn (and Christmas Eve and Day) events. 

We are selling snacks, drinks, ice blocks, ice creams, chocolates and chips. Our volunteers will wear masks, as well as gloves, with sanitizer. All foods and drinks are pre-packaged. You can pay by cash or, we hope via an electronic option too. 

Warmly in Christ,
Sandy Grant
Senior Minister

P.S. Remember that in the Cathedral, with current capacity we can't maintain social distancing at all times. But we continue to leave the rear section of the Cathedral behind the entry aisle clearly signed as "socially distanced, non-singing seats". Seating there is limited to up to 18 people, who wish to sit at a 1.5m distance in designated spots, without any singing. This is a well-ventilated area, with fans operating and windows open. Don't sit there if you want to sing or sit with others.