Together/Apart
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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 |
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The COVID-19 Protection Framework ended at 11:59pm, 12 September 2022
The Government has announced the move to life in New Zealand without COVID-19 restrictions. Please read, below, information about the announcement.
Post-Winter Approach
New Zealand's COVID-19 response is shifting focus to just a couple of requirements to manage the spread of the virus.
The requirements everyone needs to remember are:
Masks have played a critical role in managing the spread of Omicron, but now with our low case numbers, fewer gains are likely to be made through mandatory mask wearing (except in certain healthcare facilities).
Workplaces, special events and marae may continue to require people to wear masks as a condition of entry, but this will no longer be a Government requirement. People are encouraged to respect those who continue to keep wearing masks for the protection they offer against COVID-19.
Protecting vulnerable people and communities
Availability of free anti-viral medicines to everyone aged 65+ and Māori and Pacific peoples 50+ who need them, free boosters, free medical grade masks and ongoing isolation requirements for positive cases will help protect at-risk people and communities from the virus.
Mental health support
COVID-19 has taken a toll on everyone, particularly on people’s mental health. There has been significant innovation in effective and evidence-based digital mental health tools. People can access more information about these tools at www.covid19.govt.nz/mentalhealth.
Post-Winter Approach
New Zealand's COVID-19 response is shifting focus to just a couple of requirements to manage the spread of the virus.
The requirements everyone needs to remember are:
- to isolate for 7 days if they test positive for COVID-19 and
- to wear a mask when visiting healthcare facilities (hospitals, GPs, pharmacies and aged care homes).
Masks have played a critical role in managing the spread of Omicron, but now with our low case numbers, fewer gains are likely to be made through mandatory mask wearing (except in certain healthcare facilities).
Workplaces, special events and marae may continue to require people to wear masks as a condition of entry, but this will no longer be a Government requirement. People are encouraged to respect those who continue to keep wearing masks for the protection they offer against COVID-19.
Protecting vulnerable people and communities
Availability of free anti-viral medicines to everyone aged 65+ and Māori and Pacific peoples 50+ who need them, free boosters, free medical grade masks and ongoing isolation requirements for positive cases will help protect at-risk people and communities from the virus.
Mental health support
COVID-19 has taken a toll on everyone, particularly on people’s mental health. There has been significant innovation in effective and evidence-based digital mental health tools. People can access more information about these tools at www.covid19.govt.nz/mentalhealth.
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FREE resource to download and print for families isolating in your community |
Re-starting our children's ministry
With Omicron 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 communities. 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.
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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.
- Feeling safe and stuck at home (Parent Cue)
- Creating routines for households (All Belong)
- Link A document from the Waitemata Whanau Collective
Sunday worship as a whānau
With the restrictions on public gatherings, we need to find new and creative ways of being church together, apart.
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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. |
Talking to kids bout Covid-19
- Article and video on how to talk about COVID-19 with children from the Child Mind Institute in the United States.
- Sparklers was developed in response to requests from the education sector for tools to help them support and promote the wellbeing of young Cantabrians after the earthquakes, and they have put together a great website. When Covid struck in March, Sparklers at Home was launched for parents and children. Check out their covid activities and ideas
- Tools for reducing anxiety and helping children with wellbeing - Radio NZ Interview
- How to talk to your kids about Covid-19 again
- Keep children safe and reassured
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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 timeStorytime, from the Nelson Diocese
Fun activities
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Family Faith & Covid
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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 |
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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.
- Video conferencing guidelines with young people (Anglican Dioceses of NZ)
- Connecting with friends and whānau using technology (Parenting Place interview with youth leaders from Attitude)
- 10 tips for leading a small group on Zoom (Upper Room)
- Some tips for Playgroup via Zoom (Christian Playgroup Network)
Parenting and caregivers
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General Parenting/caregiving resources
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Articles and Reading
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