Pastoral Letter 1

Dear All,

With great sadness I write and also forward this email to you, to let you know that upon the advice of the Synod and Presbytery we are strongly advised to suspend all our activities, including Church Services, until further notice.

The attached letter gives clear instructions to follow. Please note also that Willoughby and Northbridge Uniting (one of the churches in our zone) have already suspended all their activities and the other churches will follow.

This decision has not been taken lightly by the church leaders, but after prayerful thought. This could be considered to be going too far, but because of our responsibility of duty of care and the messages that we are getting from our governments, we should apply also here at St. Andrew’s. We are certain that more difficult and challenging times will come soon, but our hope is in God, our Hope, Protector and Shield.

We should also let those groups and individuals that use our premises for other activities, including choir, photography, dance and violin lessons about the decision.

We have put the signs on the doors as we have decided during our last Sunday’s congregational meeting, which was the first step that we took with a unanimous decision.

The Church Elders and the Council members with me, will do their best to keep open the communication lines with the congregation members.

Personally, I will be available anytime for anything, if need be. You can contact me by email or call me on 0418 417 411.

But most importantly, let’s keep on praying, seeking God’s care and mercy at this very critical and difficult time and think for all those who have already been effected by this deadly virus.

Please do your part in spreading the news to the people you know. We don’t want to miss anyone. Thanks.

The whole world is in turmoil, but rest assured that our God is greater than any virus or evil.

Please be well and take care.

I love you all. We are one family of God here at St. Andrew’s.

Prayerfully

Krikor

Your Minister