Monthly Archives: March 2020

Baptist, News

BUV COVID-19 Advice (March)

Update 31 March 9:00pm

Stage 3: 2-Person Restriction (Volunteering allowed)

Please read the following in conjunction with advice on 30th March. 
Further to previous advice, further clarification has been sourced to indicate that volunteers are allowed to continue to work in your organisation. This would enable you to have sound and technical operators as part of your crew doing live streaming. See advice below.

Dr Annaliese van Diemen, Deputy Chief Health Officer (Communicable Diseases) has released more detailed instructions for Stage 3 stay at home restrictions.  These instructions as detailed here give us more clarity on who is allowed to be at 'work'. She states that a person may leave the premises to attend work, (whether paid or voluntary, including for charitable purposes). 

The DHS website FAQ also provides further clarification on this :

Can I leave my house to go to work?

Yes. If your work cannot be performed remotely, you can still go to work as usual, unless your employer has introduced other arrangements, such as working from home. When at the workplace, you should ensure the appropriate physical distancing and sanitisation measures. 

Can I leave my house to do volunteering work?

Yes. Unpaid work can continue to be done while the organisation you are volunteering for is still operating, however, if the volunteer work can be done remotely at home it should be. You should also maintain appropriate physical distancing and sanitisation measures.

See Job seeker and Finance advice below 

Updated 31 March 2020 5:00pm

Stage 3: 2-Person Restriction
The Prime Minster announced on 29th March, echoed by the Premier of Victoria on 30th March, new restrictions to public gatherings. The Premier has also confirmed that we have now moved to Stage 3 restrictions as of 11:59pm, 30th March. 

National Cabinet agreed to limit both indoor and outdoor gatherings to two persons only. Exceptions to this limit include:

  • People of the same household going out together;
  • Funerals – a maximum of 10 people; 
  • Wedding – a maximum of 5 people;
  • Family units. 

View statements here 
The PM statement from 29th March  
Premier statement from 30th March

Victoria Police has been given the power to issue on-the-spot fines of up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 for businesses who don't follow the rules.

The 2 person gathering rule has implications for our online church services. Even though church staff are ‘working’ when live streaming or pre-recording a service, it is also important to consider the perceptions we portray. We think you can treat this like the wedding restrictions – 5 people max involved. But it is our responsibility to show we are also complying with the regulations and for this reason, we recommend max 2 people on screen at a time.  If you are pre-recording, you can do multiple segments with 1 or 2 people filmed at different times. Sound and technical operators can be in addition but please adhere to the  4 sqm rule and social distancing guidelines. Volunteers can be involved. Online church with 2 person gathering restrictions 

Church Finances – updated
In this update:
– JobKeeper Payment Scheme
– Government help for your Church
– Government help for individuals
– Church action
Church Finances Advice

 

Update 27 March 2020 11:00am

 

 

Click on the link below for this week's BUV COVID-19 updates:

  • Greetings from the DOMM, Rev Daniel Bullock
  • God is bigger than the virus
  • Prayer initiatives 
  • Government restrictions – places of worship and social distancing restrictions
  • Updated Resources 
  • Adaptive Leadership  – Creative ways of connecting with church and community
  • Tell us your stories 
  • May Gathering Cancelled – Alternate plan 
  • BUV Support Hub here for you  

Weekly BUV COVID-19 Advice (27 March 2020)

Update 25 March 2020 8:00am

Further Social Distancing restrictions
After meeting with the National Cabinet yesterday, the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, announced further restrictions last night aimed at reducing the spread of Coronavirus. Click here for his statement 

Summary points: 

  • The highest priority should be placed on social isolation measures as well as strict and rapid contact tracing of individuals.
  • All other previous restrictions still stand 
  • Australians should stay at home, unless shopping for essentials, travelling to and from work – where you cannot work from home, going to school and exercising.
  • Keep visitors to your home at a minimum – no groups, functions, parties, extended family celebrations etc. 
  • In outdoor spaces do not congregate in groups – no more than immediate family   
  • Prohibited activities and venues to apply from 11.59pm (local time) 25 March 2020 includes Places of worship. Exceptions to this are for:
    • Weddings with a maximum attendance of no more than 5 people and where the 1 person per 4 square metre rule applies.
    • Funerals attended by a maximum of no more than 10 people and where the 1 person per 4 square metre rule applies.

The Victorian Premier's State regulations also apply from 23rd March when he announced a Stage 1 shutdown of all non-essential activity across our state to combat the spread of Coronavirus.  See Premier's statement here

For answers to questions like – Can I still live stream my church service, how to hold members meetings, can my staff go to work at the church, etc,  please click blue button below.  This document will be updated as more questions arise. 

Frequently Asked Questions on places of worship shutdown

Update 23 March 2020 5:00pm

Government Stage 1 Shut down requirements 
The BUV encourages churches to take actions recommended by both the  Victorian State Government Department of Health  and the Australian Government Department of Health to reduce the risk of transmission.

The Victorian Government announced today the Stage 1 shut down of non-essential activities which includes places of worship, gyms, indoor sporting venues, cinemas and entertainment venues. This means that all church gatherings and activities should be suspended until further notice. See the Premier's statement here.

 The Australian Government states that
"The following facilities are restricted from opening from midday local time 23 March 2020: Religious gatherings, places of worship or funerals (in enclosed spaces and other than very small groups and where the 1 person per 4 square metre rule applies)."

Thank you for respecting the regulations regarding the shut down. In these unprecedented times, our BUV support hub is here for you. As the body of Christ, we now have an opportunity to serve more than ever, by providing care, love and hope to Pastors and Church leaders.  If you need advice, support, to ask questions or just to chat with someone, please reach out to a staff member. Calls and emails to the BUV phone numbers as detailed below, will be forwarded to the appropriate team members who will respond as soon as possible. We value your patience as we work hard to provide you with our high level of support and service whilst also implementing appropriate health and safety measures for our staff.

BUV Support Hub Contact details 

Remember to check our dedicated BUV Coronavirus Resources Page that will be updated regularly with the latest information and materials that can help you connect with your congregation and community during the shutdown.

Covid-19 Church Resources 

Please join us in prayer for our nation 

Prayer – Chinese

Click here for Part 1 of our Unprecedented Love devotion series 

Email comms@buv.com.au if you would like us to add details of your church's online services to our Online Baptist Church services website page. 

Online Baptist Church Services

Click here to see ideas for Financial leaders

Update 20 March 2020 3:10pm

New Government Requirements for Indoor Gatherings

Prime minister, Scott Morrison has just announced new social distancing requirements for indoor gatherings  – For gatherings of fewer than 100 people in an enclosed space, the Government is now recommending four square metres per person.

 

Baptist, News

Shepparton Story House

Thrive Shepparton began in February 2018 as a potential outreach with the Shepparton Baptist Church providing conversational English classes. Lacey Lengel, a missionary from the US who has worked in communities around the world teaching ESL primarily to asylum seekers, undertook the oversight of these classes after moving to Shepparton, primarily because it has the highest number of refugees and asylum seekers outside of Melbourne. She has worked collaboratively with Rev Richard Horton (Shepparton Baptist Church) in transitioning the language classes to a “story house” program which utilises story telling as the major way for new arrivals to learn English. Lacey personally authored the program and hopes that it can be utilised by other organisations working with LOTE people in the future.

Recently, Lacey married Pastor Matt Holloway from Benalla Baptist Church. The newlyweds are passionate about engaging their church with the community around them even through the coronavirus pandemic.

To continue her classes, Lacey quickly developed online classes and programs. She uses WhatsApp chat to upload photos, documents, videos and links., so that her classes can still continue and relationships can still be maintained. Lacey has chosen WhatsApp as it is very popular with communities that have access to limited Wi-Fi and technical support.  

Lacey and Matt both attended the BUV Parish Collective Training earlier in the year with Paul Sparks and Tim Soerens and found the teaching and collective gathering inspiring.  Lacey said,  “Inspired by our walk during the Parish Collective training, before the shutdown Richard encouraged the church leadership to create a community picnic and garden area in some spare land next to the church, which we hope will eventually be part of the Story House and a future community coffee shop. While we were unable to begin building this space yet, we are still dreaming and planning to do so once the pandemic is over.”

Baptist, News

Views from the Manse: A Trip to Perth

A Trip to Perth

We wobbled our way down the escarpment at Greenmount and into the outer suburbs of Perth, having spent two days driving 15 hours a day through the interminable sparseness of the Nullarbor. This was long before the longest golf course in the world had been installed so there had been no diversions.

And I was in the doghouse. 

About 600 miles back we had stopped for a drink and some fuel at a roadhouse and Alison pulled out some toys to create a little world of familiar items in the dust of the desert. A couple of hundred miles later she realised she had left them behind and pleaded for us to turn back. I felt terrible, but refused. The extra 400 miles round trip to retrieve them would mean another night in a motel and we just didn’t have time for that.

I was taking leave to spend some time at a Teacher’s College as they were developing some interesting materials for primary schools. For example, they had a subject that taught the kids how to skin a kangaroo and make leather! (Ok, so maybe this particular skill was not so transferrable to metropolitan locations but interesting nonetheless!)

We were also going to see my mother who was dying of cancer. She was hanging on to say farewell to the family and especially her beloved granddaughters. Being incommunicado (before the days of mobile phones) we had no idea if we were too late.  

After the trip had been arranged I came home one day to find Ruth in that dizzying state of uncertainty where you know that you are facing a very significant decision that may have profound implications for your future.  

After putting the kids to bed she sat me down and explained that she had, in effect, been invited to act as an Interim Pastor for a church in Tim Winton country. It was a church in dire straits and in need of some help with the leadership.

This little church had always struggled financially and things got much worse when the builder overran the budget and skimped on everything to try and save money. Consequently, instead of a wall of bricks bound together by mortar they had a pile of bricks that appeared to be separated by layers of sand. A couple of young boys, who were jostling to be first into the toilet one day ran into one of the walls and knocked it over! Then one Saturday night, after a 21st celebration in hall the ceiling collapsed and a highly modified Sunday school program had to be rapidly organised for the next morning. The band had been very loud and it really had ‘razed’ the roof!

The congregation was just as fragile and the deacons were struggling with the consequences of a string of ministerial disasters.  

The most recent incumbent had been dismissed for inappropriate behaviour. An earlier one had been shattered after his wife’s death, and then there was the time that a member of the youth group had suffered a psychotic episode, climbed onto the roof of the manse and rained tiles and obscenities on anyone who came within range. There were mutterings of demon possession and the need for an exorcism.

Obviously they needed some good pastoral care and some sound preaching.

We weighed it all up. We could only commit for the short term coinciding with my contract and Ruth had never had this level of responsibility before. It was in that twilight period just after Marita had been ordained and while the issue of a woman’s place in ministry was still very hot in Victoria, it had not even been raised in Western Australia.

Would Ruth be able to exercise a ministry in this situation or would it just be a fool’s errand? The latter seemed very likely as the church was very conservative and the constitution made it quite clear, no woman could hold any position of authority and she could most definitely never preach.

After much angst and many long distance phone calls we decided to accept.

When we got there the Deacons invited Ruth to be a ‘consultant’ so she could take part in their meetings. They also instituted a novelty ‘Women’s Day’ where the women led the morning service and Ruth preached.

The service was a great success and brought to light some very talented women in the congregation, one of whom has since become one of the first ordained Baptist women in W.A.

The following Easter the church celebrated by having 10 dozen hot cross buns for morning tea. Having never experienced such largesse, the congregation was blown away. In this simple act they had enough for all and then some left over. It was a most wonderful celebration. The local baker was ecstatic and it proved to be a turning point for the place.

Having been reassured that they were valuable in God’s sight, and having learned that they were far more resilient than they expected the church was now ready to move on and preach the gospel with new enthusiasm.

We returned to Melbourne and everyone lived to fight another day.

JS

 

Baptist

Dangerous Prayers for Dangerous Times

A call to be praying together for one another, our churches, our neighbourhood, our families, our world.

The Common Grace Series highlights the parable of the “Good Shepherd” in John 10:1-21. Jesus is portrayed as both the “gate” and the “good shepherd” and interestingly he “leads” the sheep as they “follow” him “because they know his voice”. Jesus the prophetic voice of protection, compassion, comfort, commitment, servant-heartedness, sacrifice, courage, humility and bravery leads the people with his staff and rod. His staff brings comfort and his rod protection. In these anxious, challenging and dangerous times we need to hear again the voice of Jesus and to experience first, his comfort and compassion and secondly, his voice as he leads us through these times. We need to be “listening” – spending time with Him in mutual conversation, that is, prayer, in order to navigate faith, hope and love. It is only as we come aside and pray that we can follow the voice of the one who leads.

Why do this? Why pray? Because in these anxious and chaotic times, we too have a call to be the same prophetic voice of the Shepherd, leading those who are anxious, fearful and lost towards life abundant despite the challenges (John 10:10). We need more than ever to develop a sense of purpose and vision in order to undertake the present mission God has for us, that is, to be His light, His presence, His protection in a world in darkness. How do we do this? The parable talks about the sheep following the good shepherd, and as such, they are united together. “They are one flock, who hears his voice” (John 10:16). Together as the church we can be the true prophetic voice that is desperately needed at this time. Instead of retreating, or imagining that there is little we can do, on the contrary, there is so much to do. And the first thing is PRAYER.

Following Jesus isn’t always comfortable nor easy; it can be dangerous and risky. But we have the assurance of that the good shepherd is with us as He leads us, and we follow. And don’t you think Jesus might just want us to hear again His voice through the stream of myriad voices clouding our hearts, minds and bodies right now?

Here at the Baptist Union Support Hub we are committed to journeying with all of you and with our Good Shepherd. We need to have a committed sense of being again His united flock, following the Shepherd into new and perhaps even uncomfortable situations. So, we are establishing a Prayer Initiative we would love you to join. We believe that together, in prayer, and listening to His voice, we can be the voice others need to hear at this time.

Following are some ways we can commence a united prayer initiative.

1. Current organised days of Prayer – The Australian Prayer Network is calling for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting this coming Sunday 29th March. You can join in with your church community for this day by following the website. The Baptist World Alliance are also calling for Global Prayer in a Prayer Marathon, commencing Monday 30th April.

2. BUV Prayer Week – The BUV will have a focussed week of Prayer and Fasting for all Baptist churches and congregations commencing on the day after Easter Sunday (Monday 13th April and concluding Monday 20th April) – More details to come.

3. BUV Prayer series – The BUV’s Mission Catalyst team will be hosting a weekly Prayer series based on the latest Craig Groeschel book, Dangerous Prayer, (because following Jesus was never meant to be safe). We would encourage your online community to also download the book and read it together and so to start a prayer journey. Please stay tuned for the first in the prayer series next week.

4. BUV Prayer Calendar – The BUV Support Hub has a monthly prayer calendar where we join together with one another and pray not only for our churches. April’s prayer calendar will include specific prayers in relation to the virus and the situation of our world as well as requests from you.

5. Other helpful prayer links – Please let us know via email comms@buv.com.au how best the Baptist Union Support Hub can pray for you, your leaders, your people and your neighbours in this time. We will also be posting links to helpful prayer networks for inspiration, such as the 24/7 Prayer Rooms.

6. Theological Reflection from Mark Brett – Click here for a theological reflection from Prof Mark Brett, FAHA, Professor of Hebrew Bible, General Editor, Journal of Biblical Literature, Whitley College, recalling the experiences of the Jews through the Babylonian exile and their responses from Lamentations to Isaiah 40. This is indeed a time when biblical reflection is crucial.

Good Shepherd, during Your ministry on Earth You showed Your power and caring by healing people of all ages and stations of life from physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Be present now to people who need Your loving touch because of COVID-19. May they feel Your power of healing through the care of doctors and nurses. Take away the fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation from people receiving treatment or under quarantine. Give them a sense of purpose in pursuing health and protecting others from exposure to the disease. Protect their families and friends and bring peace to all who love them.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Rev Gayle Hill
Head of Mission Catalyst Team

Source: BUV News

Baptist, News

Dangerous Prayers for Dangerous Times


A call to be praying together for one another, our churches, our neighbourhood, our families, our world.

  • Introduction

     

    The Common Grace Series highlights the parable of the “Good Shepherd” in John 10:1-21. Jesus is portrayed as both the “gate” and the “good shepherd” and interestingly he “leads” the sheep as they “follow” him “because they know his voice”. Jesus the prophetic voice of protection, compassion, comfort, commitment, servant-heartedness, sacrifice, courage, humility and bravery leads the people with his staff and rod. His staff brings comfort and his rod protection. In these anxious, challenging and dangerous times we need to hear again the voice of Jesus and to experience first, his comfort and compassion and secondly, his voice as he leads us through these times. We need to be “listening” – spending time with Him in mutual conversation, that is, prayer, in order to navigate faith, hope and love. It is only as we come aside and pray that we can follow the voice of the one who leads.

    Why do this? Why pray? Because in these anxious and chaotic times, we too have a call to be the same prophetic voice of the Shepherd, leading those who are anxious, fearful and lost towards life abundant despite the challenges (John 10:10). We need more than ever to develop a sense of purpose and vision in order to undertake the present mission God has for us, that is, to be His light, His presence, His protection in a world in darkness. How do we do this? The parable talks about the sheep following the good shepherd, and as such, they are united together. “They are one flock, who hears his voice” (John 10:16). Together as the church we can be the true prophetic voice that is desperately needed at this time. Instead of retreating, or imagining that there is little we can do, on the contrary, there is so much to do. And the first thing is PRAYER.

    Following Jesus isn’t always comfortable nor easy; it can be dangerous and risky. But we have the assurance of that the good shepherd is with us as He leads us, and we follow. And don’t you think Jesus might just want us to hear again His voice through the stream of myriad voices clouding our hearts, minds and bodies right now?

    Here at the Baptist Union Support Hub we are committed to journeying with all of you and with our Good Shepherd. We need to have a committed sense of being again His united flock, following the Shepherd into new and perhaps even uncomfortable situations. So, we are establishing a Prayer Initiative we would love you to join. We believe that together, in prayer, and listening to His voice, we can be the voice others need to hear at this time.

  • Five ways to Pray

     

    1. Current organised days of Prayer – The Australian Prayer Network is calling for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting this coming Sunday 29th March. You can join in with your church community for this day by following the website. The Baptist World Alliance are also calling for Global Prayer in a Prayer Marathon, commencing Monday 30th April.

    2. BUV Prayer Week –  Dangerous Prayer for Dangerous Times
    Here at the Baptist Union of Victoria Hub we are calling on all our churches to gather for a week of Prayer and Fasting commencing Monday 13th April (Easter Monday) and concluding Sunday 19th April. We are people of prayer and this is such an exceptional time to be praying together.  Scroll down further on this page for more information.

    3. BUV Prayer Calendar – The BUV Support Hub has a monthly prayer calendar where we join together with one another and pray not only for our churches. April’s prayer calendar will include specific prayers in relation to the virus and the situation of our world as well as requests from you.
    Click here to download Prayer Calendar.

    4. Other helpful prayer links – We will also be posting links to helpful prayer networks for inspiration, such as the 24/7 Prayer Rooms. Please also let us know via email comms@buv.com.au how best the Baptist Union Support Hub can pray for you, your leaders, your people and your neighbours in this time.

    5. Theological Reflection from Mark Brett – Click here for a theological reflection from Prof Mark Brett, FAHA, Professor of Hebrew Bible, General Editor, Journal of Biblical Literature, Whitley College, recalling the experiences of the Jews through the Babylonian exile and their responses from Lamentations to Isaiah 40. This is indeed a time when biblical reflection is crucial.

 

BUV Prayer Week

(Monday 13th April – Sunday 19th April)

Here at the Baptist Union of Victoria Hub we are calling on all our churches to gather for a week of Prayer and Fasting commencing Monday 13th April (Easter Monday) and concluding Sunday 19th April. We are people of prayer and this is such an exceptional time to be praying together.  

The format of the week is as follows:

  • small groups within your church of up to six people come together for this week (digitally*) and pray daily prayers – *What's App, Text or Facetime groups can be used
     
  • daily devotions, prayers and a song link have been developed and will be distriubted to churches the week prior. These are based on the latest Craig Groeschel book, Dangerous Prayer – they are listed below
     
  • one member of the group should fast each day during the week (omitting the 7th day) 
     
  • each member prays for 3 people who are not yet walking with Jesus

Monday 13th April 2020
Devotion 
Prayer & Song

Tuesday 14th April 2020 
Devotion 
Prayer & Song 

Wednesday 15th April 2020 
Devotion 
Prayer & Song 

Devotions, prayer and song for Thursday 16th April – Sunday 19th April will be available on or before Tuesday 13th April.
 

 

Good Shepherd, during Your ministry on Earth You showed Your power and caring by healing people of all ages and stations of life from physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Be present now to people who need Your loving touch because of COVID-19. May they feel Your power of healing through the care of doctors and nurses. Take away the fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation from people receiving treatment or under quarantine. Give them a sense of purpose in pursuing health and protecting others from exposure to the disease. Protect their families and friends and bring peace to all who love them.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Rev Gayle Hill
Head of Mission Catalyst Team