LCA Victorian District Church Council’s Encouragement to be COVID-Safe communities

As COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease across metro Melbourne and regional Victoria, LCAVD are looking forward to a time when we can fully recommence face-to-face word and sacrament worship services. It is here that we can welcome others, share community and express Gods love and grace for all.

The path out of lockdowns and restrictions will be challenging, with likely set-backs, outbreaks, stress and anxiety. Based on the government’s vaccination goals and restriction settings, we will be living, working and communing in a society that will continue to have the SARS-CoV-2 virus circulating. 

 It is important that we navigate our return to in-person worship safely and in line with public health orders. We encourage congregations to consider and implement ways of gathering for worship that protect the vulnerable and respect the values and circumstances of all who wish to attend.  Working within the health orders will require us, for now, to potentially create worshipping environments in a variety of settings to include all people, ​with consideration of their vaccination status.  This will be challenging as we seek to live out our calling as one body in Christ and share Gods love with all people.  

We have learned many new ways of worshipping and staying in contact during this Pandemic, and we wish to encourage these to continue. Please support and encourage our Pastors, Layworkers, Volunteers and each other as we continue to reach out in new ways to safely care for our people and communities so that they can safely receive God’s Word and Sacrament and participate in the life of the church.

Discussed, amended and approved in principle by LCAVD CC 22 October 2021.
Finalised by Bishop Lester & Chair David 29 October 2021