Together/Apart

When things seem to change to quickly day to day, as we respond to COVID-19,  we're having to 're-learn' how we gather, support and care for one another. In many ways it feels like someone just threw out the "church rule book"... And while there may be underlying uncertainty in what this looks like, we truly do believe that when Jesus is at the centre of the local church, we can shine with the light of the world. And the world needs an extra bit of light at the moment! 

We've seen some amazing glimmers of hope over the last few days, as churches across NZ come together to re-think, re-learn and dream up creative ideas to shine even brighter than before. Our Strandz team are working hard behind the scenes to make sure we can support our churches well, as we work out how to do this season together. We will add to this page when we can. We know some amazing, creative, courageous and adaptive leaders who can help - and maybe when someone throws out the "church rule book", we all get to play a slightly different game. 

Kia kaha everyone x

Traffic Light System

​Updated 1 December 2021
As of 11.59pm on 2 December 2021, New Zealand will move to a new Traffic Light System in our response to Covid-19. The Pakeha Bishops have met and decided that, out of a deep love for the church and the people we serve, we have sought to approach the next stage of our nation’s response to this world-wide health emergency in a way that reflects two key agreements in common:
  1. The normative position for worship, events and gatherings, is that they will be fully-vaccinated. In other words, vaccine certificates will be required to attend services of worship, events and gatherings.  This fully vaccinated approach, as the norm, reflects the best and most current health advice available to us, as we seek to do all that we can to minimise the risk of anyone becoming infected with Covid-19. 
  2. We have a pastoral responsibility for the care of all people. This responsibility is to both vaccinated and non-vaccinated, but particularly to the most vulnerable. This care includes those who may not be able to worship with us because they have chosen not to be vaccinated. It also includes those who are in quarantine after exposure to infected people and are awaiting test results. Such pastoral responsibility also includes those who are ill, or those who are choosing to limit their potential exposure to infection because of their level of vulnerability or the level of vulnerability to members of their households. We are committed to supporting local Churches in finding ways to minister to all.

Please don't hesitate to talk to your church leaders about the implications this will have for your childrens ministries, leaders, and families. We continue to pray for a spirit of unity this advent.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jeseus". (Philippians 4:6-7)

For more information please see this statement from the House of Bishops.

Traffic Light Resources

With My Vaccine Pass

According to these Guidelines for places of worship, the following will apply for gatherings where My Vaccine Pass is required

Red

  • Record Keeping and Scanning
  • At gatherings, face coverings are required for workers and volunteers. 
  • Gatherings at a place of worship (e.g. weddings, funerals) up to 100 people based on the maximum number of people who could occupy the space if each person was 1 metre apart.
  • Events – up to 100 people based on 1m distancing, seated and separated for service of food and drink.

Amber

  • Record keeping/scanning required.
  • ​At gatherings, face coverings are required for workers and volunteers.
  • Gatherings at a place of worship (e.g. weddings, funerals) no limits.
  • ​Events no limits.

Green

  • Record keeping/scanning required
  • Gatherings at a place of worship (e.g. weddings, funerals) no limits.
  • Events no limits.

Without My Vaccine Pass

For gatherings where My Vaccine Pass is not required for entry:

Red

  • Record Keeping and Scanning
  • At gatherings, face coverings are required for workers and volunteers. ​
  • Gatherings at a place of worship (e.g. weddings, funerals) up to 25 people, based on the maximum number of people who could occupy the space if each person was 1 metre apart.
  • Events cannot operate.

Amber

  • Record keeping/scanning required.
  • ​At gatherings, face coverings are required for workers and volunteers.
  • Gatherings at a place of worship (e.g. weddings, funerals) up to 50 people, based on the maximum number of people who could occupy the space if each person was 1 metre apart.
  • ​Events cannot operate. 

Green

  • Record keeping/scanning required
  • Gatherings at a place of worship (e.g. weddings, funerals) up to 100 people based 1m distancing.
  • Events (indoor/outdoor) – up to 100 people based on 1m distancing, seated and separated for service of food and drink.

Re-starting our children's ministry

​With Delta in the mix, it can be confusing to know how this applies to children's ministry. Unlike schools - which have clearer relationships with a the school and a bubble (a single community), our churches are gathered. Gathered communities are more difficult to navigate, as the gatherings are unpredictable in size and nature. With that in mind, we advise that you consider how your children's ministry can be 
  • Welcome and friendly. 
  • Consider the games that you are playing, and minimise activities that are hands on or have high touch contacts (like passing balls along the line)
  • Have packs of activities for each child to do, so they don't have to swap or share things. 
  • Think of creative ways for family faith activities to happen at home.
  • If you are only having online worship, think about what the kids will see and do. Make sure its not just all for the adults. 

Resources for home

Over various levels of Lockdown, many resources were created to support faith at home. 
Parenting for Faith journal resource  to help you and your children capture a little flavour of what God was doing in your lives and home during this Covid-19 season.​

Sunday worship as a whānau

With the restrictions on public gatherings, we need to find new and creative ways of being church together, apart. 
Bible Explore
Bible Explore is our primary platform for collecting and sharing lectionary based all age material for Sunday worship. We are hoping to keep these pages updated with 'bubble friendly' activities. 
House Church Liturgy resource – Service of the Word with Prayer​​

Talking to kids bout Covid-19

Prayers

We are not people of fear:
we are people of courage.
We are not people who protect our own safety:
we are people who protect our neighbours’ safety.
We are not people of greed:
we are people of generosity.
We are your people God,
giving and loving,
wherever we are, whatever it costs
For as long as it takes, wherever you call us. 
​Amen
(Prayer from Church of England)

Story time

Storytime, from the Nelson Diocese

Fun activities

Family Faith & Covid

Family Devotions from Scripture Union International
This series, written by Annette Osborne in Auckland,  is specifically for families confined to their homes during the Covid-19 pandemic. 
​Nelson Diocese family worship ideas 

Video conferencing
​with young people
Safety guidelines

Digital World

In many ways, we've found ourselves navigating the digital world in a whole new way.  With the speed at which we have had to shift to online platforms for connection and worship, it can present us with some problems and hurdles. Here are some tips from Parenting Place and our Anglican Diocese of NZ recommended guidelines for video conferencing young people. 

Parenting and caregivers

General Parenting/caregiving resources
Articles and Reading 

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