Unprecedented Love Devotion Series – Part 1

Dear Baptist family, 

During these unprecedented times that we are facing, we, as followers of Christ, are called to remember the unprecedented love that God has shown and continues to show us every day.  As Easter draws near, we especially think of the enormous sacrifice that God made for us. 

We have developed a 5-part devotion series that will be distributed each Friday until Easter and will conclude on Easter Sunday.  For some you may choose to use this as a starting point, or a resource. Others of you will hopefully find it a small drop of inspiration in your day. 

As you use this devotion series to reflect on God's unprecedented love, please continue to show love in and to your community, especially by praying for those most vulnerable, those who are in isolation, those who are marginalised, our healthcare workers and for our leaders.

As countries are shutting their doors, let’s open our hearts. Together, we can face this unprecedented time with #unprecedentedlove. Please share your #unprecedentedlove in action either via comms@buv.com.au or on socials and we'll share with the rest of our BUV family.

We hope you enjoy Part 1 of this 5-part Unprecendented Love devotion series below and we look forward to bringing you Part 2 next Friday.   

Baptist Union of Victoria 

Devotion Part 1 
Unprecedented Love for Unprecedented Times
by Rev Jonathan Stark
 

“Would you like some toilet paper?” asked the young neighbour who had just pressed the doorbell. “We have enough and thought you might need some.”

A little kindness speaks volumes. Moments of unexpected love in times like these stay with us forever. But to be completely honest, it’s not easy to show unprecedented love. When there’s a crisis, it’s easier to stop caring for others because our own needs aren’t being met.

Like U.S. man Matt Colvin, who bought 18,000 bottles of hand sanitiser from stores across the state of Tennessee, we tend towards wanting what is best for us even if causes others to suffer. When Colvin then tried to sell the bottles at inflated prices, he experienced a huge backlash from the public and he had second thoughts. He decided to give the bottles away to a church to distribute instead. It took Colvin a while, but he got there eventually! It’s hard to love in unprecedented times.

But Jesus did. He demonstrated breathtaking love in the most hostile of times. He chose to love. He wasn’t tricked into dying, nor was he forced into it. He chose the cross. Though it would mean pain, humiliation and complete separation from God, Jesus chose the cross. There is nothing that demonstrates God’s love more powerfully than the cross. His love was unprecedented.

As Easter approaches we have an unprecedented opportunity to show unprecedented love to those around us. How was it that Jesus didn’t let all of the obstacles to the cross stop him from showing love? What kept him going? One possible answer to this question is found in Luke 9:51, where we learn that, “Jesus resolutely set his face towards Jerusalem.”

It seems that he made a decision to love and was determined to keep to going in the direction of Jerusalem where he would be crucified.

Have you made a decision to turn your face towards others in this unprecedented time with unprecedented love? Yes, there are challenges. And yes, it’s hard. But let’s choose to love like Jesus. He chose to love. Talk to your family and friends about your resolution.

And as we head towards Easter, let’s commit to finding unexpected ways to show unprecedented love in these unprecedented times.

God Bless,

Jonathan 

If you are self isolating or your church has suspended its gatherings, many of our Baptist churches are already live streaming their Sunday services. Here are their links :

Source: BUV News

Prayers for Our Nation Amidst COVID-19

Join us everyday at 1900 hours and for Sunday 29 March as we offer prayers for our nation, amidst COVID-19.

Gracious God,

We give thanks anew for your providence and presence.

We prayerfully seek your grace, amidst COVID-19 here and overseas.

We pray for those in need of healing.

We pray for your peace with those who are anxious or grieving.

We pray you will continue to strengthen and sustain all those who are serving in response.

We pray for your Holy Spirit’s discernment amidst the many choices and decisions facing our national, community and medical leaders.

We pray we each might see quickly what more we can do to help those who are vulnerable.

This prayer for our nation in the family of nations, with all that is on our hearts, we gather now and pray through Jesus Christ our Lord.

AMEN.

Source: NCCA

Source: BUV News

7 Ideas for Church Financial Leaders Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

This is an unprecedented time for churches, and Pastors are going to be inundated with unfamiliar requests and unusual circumstances.

Not the least of these will be the effect on church finances.

The Pastor should not bare the brunt of this either with regard to their personal finances or the wider church finances. They already will have an increased workload and be sharing the burdens of the wider community.

In times like these it is vital that the church leadership step up and own the challenges of the church. The may not be able to field individual concerns but they can:

  1. Regularly check that the Pastor/s is coping
  2. Communicate to the church the need for stable finances
  3. Invite responses from the church if regular giving will be a personal challenge
  4. Suggest/investigate other ways to give. The Baptist Financial Services Giveway site is established for this purpose. Click here for more information
  5. Ensure Church bank details are readily available
  6. Encourage regular attendees to set up Direct Debit to the church account
  7. Mention how and where people can give cash or cheques during the week

An email or letter from the church leadership acknowledging the additional pressure for the Pastor and covering some of these points will help share the load.

7 Ideas for Church Financial Leaders Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

This is an unprecedented time for churches, and Pastors are going to be inundated with unfamiliar requests and unusual circumstances.

Not the least of these will be the effect on church finances.

The Pastor should not bare the brunt of this either with regard to their personal finances or the wider church finances. They already will have an increased workload and be sharing the burdens of the wider community.

In times like these it is vital that the church leadership step up and own the challenges of the church. The may not be able to field individual concerns but they can:

  1. Regularly check that the Pastor/s is coping
  2. Communicate to the church the need for stable finances
  3. Invite responses from the church if regular giving will be a personal challenge
  4. Suggest/investigate other ways to give. The Baptist Financial Services Giveway site is established for this purpose. Click here for more information
  5. Ensure Church bank details are readily available
  6. Encourage regular attendees to set up Direct Debit to the church account
  7. Mention how and where people can give cash or cheques during the week

An email or letter from the church leadership acknowledging the additional pressure for the Pastor and covering some of these points will help share the load.

Source: BUV News

COVID-19 Church Resources

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 others in our community.

And we can do this together by sharing the load and resources.

Our BUV regional pastors are just a phone call away if you need any advice. You can also go to our website www.buv.com.au/coronavirus or follow us on social media where you’ll find the latest advice that can help you and your church during this pandemic.

We are also building a resource library on this page for you. If you have resources to share with the wider baptist family, we'd love to hear from you. Please email comms@buv.com.au

As countries are shutting their doors, let’s open our hearts. Please continue to pray for our communities, especially the most vulnerable, our healthcare workers and for our leaders.

Together, we can face this unprecedented time with #unprecedentedlove ❤️

Official Information
Australia Government Department of Health
Victoria Government Health and Human Services
Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for COVID-19
Australian Government Advice for Organising Public Gatherings 
Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
Baptist Insurance 

Other Useful Resources
Responding Pastorally to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Preparing for Potential Church Closure FAQs
Coronavirus and Church Planning Template
Crossover Outreach Resources

CCLI Church Streaming Licence
How to Launch Your Church Online Quickly

Many of our Baptist churches are already live streaming their Sunday services. Here are their links :

Source: BUV News

COVID-19 Church Resources

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 others in our community.

And we can do this together by sharing the load and resources.

Our BUV staff are just a phone call away if you need any advice. You can also go to our website www.buv.com.au/coronavirus or follow us on social media where you’ll find the latest advice that can help you and your church during this pandemic.

We are also building a resource library on this page for you. If you have resources to share with the wider baptist family, we'd love to hear from you. Please email comms@buv.com.au

 

Click on the links below for resources available:

 

 

 

COVIDSAFE Resources (Updated 05/08/2020)

Creating a COVIDSafe Plan 
Victoria Government Hygiene and Face Covering Stakeholder's pack
COVIDSafe Stakeholder's pack (includes translated resources)
Frequently Asked Questions
Coronavirus has stopped choirs – when can we sing again?
Baptist Insurance Services COVIDSafe Plan for Church Premises
3-Step Framework for a COVIDSAFE Australia
COVIDSAFE Workplace Checklist
Safework Cleaning guide
DHHS Cleaning guide
COVIDSAFE App

Leadership Resources
NCLS 5 clues to connect
A Call to Persevere – Building Pastoral Resilience in a Crisis
Leadership Questions for Now and Then
Lewis Holdway legal advice on holding church meetings during COVID-19
CMAA Covid-19 resources 
20 Practical ways to be missional in COVID-19 – Blessed to be a blessing
Community Portrait – what is a community portrait and how to start on
10 tips for Leading During a Time of Crisis by Karl Faase, Olive Tree Media
Tips on how to stay safe online during the COVID-19 pandemic
3 ways to use social media missionally
Go Old School, Go New School, Go All Out
Pastorally Caring for the Vulnerable Community
Template for Lay Leaders Making Care Calls
Managing disruption caused by COVID-19
100 ideas for ministers and ministry leaders
Responding Pastorally to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Preparing for Potential Church Closure FAQs
Coronavirus and Church Planning Template
Free COVID-19 Graphics
Crossover Outreach Resources
If You Are Self-isolating, I Can Help

Financial 
JobKeeper and other Finance updates
Emergency relief support for people on temporary visas
Important JobKeeper Information 5th May 2020
Join our Treasurers and Secretary Facebook Page
JobKeeper payment rules and details – A guide for churches (as at 16/4/20)Four Ways to Simplify Your Church Finances
Church Finance Advice – Updated 7 April 
Government assistance to churches during Covid-19Baptist Financial Services COVID-19 Advice: Electronic giving, reduced rates
7 Ideas for Church Financial Leaders Amid the COVID-19 PandemicSaward Dawson report on all State and Federal Stimulus packages

Safe Church – Essential Requirements 
Join our Safe Church Facebook Page
Child Safe Standards
Reportable Conduct Scheme
Mandatory Reporting – (as from 17/02/2020 includes pastors, deacons and elders)
Working With Children Check – for all leaders and volunteers over 18
Police check – for relevant leaders over 18
Code of Conduct – for all leaders and volunteers
Sample Staff and Volunteer Pack – Thanks for Wonthaggi Baptist Church for sharing this sample document. It is provided as a resource for you to create your own church’s documentation, but should not be seen as a prescriptive template. 
Sample Digital Communication Policy – Thanks to NewHope Baptist Church for sharing this document.

Managing Mental Health
10 Tips for Coping with Infectious Diseases
Don't give up (5 week series) by Kyle IdlemanBUV Resilience Resources   – a call to persevere The Sanctuary Course
Online well-being resources
Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
10 psychological tips for coping with infectious diseases
How to Protect Your Mental Health
HeadtoHealth COVID-19 Support

List of Community Care organisations / Counselling services within the BUV:
Crossway LifeCare
Gilead Counselling
Karinya Counselling Centres
MGA Counselling
Millpark Community Care
NewHope Medical
OneCare Geelong
Wellington Care Centre

Children and Families Resources
E-Safety Commissioner Tips for young people and their parents / carers 
29 Ways to Do Ministry when Church is Cancelled
Coronavirus, children, anxiety and the church (BuildingFaith)
Explaining coronavirus to kids and the science of soap
Talking to kids about coronavirus
Lost Sheep resources
Free Easter Books for Children

Online Church
There are several ways for your church to pre-record or livestream your church service. Here are some useful resources for your reference:
Captioning Service 
From Zero to Go – Essendon Baptist Church
How to make the best video of yourself when you have no gear
How to live stream your church service
Basic Live Streaming For Churches
Crossover Church Online Advice
ZOOM advice
WhatsApp advice
CCLI Church Streaming Licence
How to Launch Your Church Online Quickly
Connecting your Church during COVID-19
Online Baptist church service details

 

Sermon and Worship Resources
Worship resources from Box Hill Baptist Church
Worship and sermon resources from Sons of Korah
Devotion and song by Andrew Naylor

Church at Home
Church at Home resources (Grow Ministries)
Weekly Resources for all age
StoryPath (linking lectionary to children’s literature)
Lent Engage Together (can be adapted for home/small group use)

Official Information
Important Travel Insurance Update – As at 4 August 2020
Standing by our Multicultural Communities
COVIDSafe App
Department of Health Coronavirus App
Safework Victoria Information
COVID-19 and Domestic Violence
Technology-facilitated abuse Support
Australia Health Alert via Whatsapp
Physical Distancing and Other Transmission Reduction Measures
COVID-19 Self Assessment
WHO Health Alert via Whatsapp
Baptist Insurance updated advice 18 March 2020
COVID-19 Isolation Guidance (various languages)
COVID-19 Identifying The Symptoms
Australian Government Advice for Organising Public Gatherings 
Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
Australia Government Department of Health
Victoria Government Health and Human Services
Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for COVID-19

 

Translated Resources (Updated 30/07/2020)

DHHS Translated Resources
Available in 21 languages, our Community Ambassadors share important information about coronavirus (COVID-19)
Official Information and Resources in 60 languages
Stage 3 Metro Melb and Mitchell Shire lockdown resources in other languages 
Stage 3 testing – Victorian Government translated resources Technology-facilitated abuse Support in various languages
COVID-19 Official Information in various languages
Managing Disruption Caused by COVID-19
Latest news and information in 63 languages
COVID-19 Translated FAQ
COVID-19 Translated Resources
COVID-19 Isolation Guidance (various languages)
BUV 预防冠状病毒(COVID-19) 建议
BUV COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Kongah BUV Thawngthanh
BUV COVID-19 advice – Hakka Chin

Karen
Ten ways of reduce your risk of Coronavirus
Social Distancing
Cover your Cough and sneeze

Vietnamese
Keep Your Home Clean
Flatten the curve
Prevention Strategy
Social Distancing Checklist
Infectious Rate

Responding Pastorally to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Responding Pastorally to COVID19

The Word Health Organisation has declared the Coronavirus a pandemic, and a time of global health crisis. In response to the dramatic effects which the virus is having on our economy, the Australian government has considered that now is a time to act with financial stimulus. We are now facing the banning of public gatherings of over 500 people.

For many people, those in our neighbourhoods, on the train, in our work places and schools, it is a time of great concern, even anxiety. People are asking “Am I prepared for this crisis?” “Will I be infected?” “Am I doing enough to protect myself and my family?” For leaders, there is an added sense of responsibility as they ask, “Am I leading in a way that helps people or am I adding to their anxiety?”

Christians today in Baptist churches across Victoria, have questions concerning what our response ought to be as we seek to respond to the COVID-19 virus. Some of us are seeing it as a time to boldly declare our trust in God, while others find it much harder than we had thought to remain calm and full of faith.

How can we respond, as Christlike followers, to this crisis?

  1. Remember that God is with us. God has promised, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5b). Jesus declared that he is with us even to the end of the age. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter. In the midst of the social media storm that tends to either make light of the situation or spread unbridled fear, it is good to remember that God is with us. Even in self-isolation when we can feel alone, God is still with us. There is nowhere that we can be where God is not. Slow down, take a few deep breaths and acknowledge God’s presence.
  1. Don’t be too surprised when things don’t go as planned. Jesus said “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Trouble is something we should expect. Suffering and setbacks are part of this world and we will face them as we live in such a way that we are looking forward with hope to the new heaven and new earth. Each day though, God is with us through each challenge to help us become more and more like him.   
  1. Be a non-anxious presence. For so many people there is a growing sense of anxiety, concern and fear. It’s not helpful for us to shout, “Do not panic!” Even urging people to forget their troubles and just trust God can seem trite and unhelpful. But when you engage in a calm, emotionally present and anxiety-free way, you engender trust which will be received as caring in any environment. We do this best by managing our feelings in such a way that we are neither distant and detached, nor flooding the situation with our unchecked emotions. This calmness, which comes from knowing that God is with us, will have an effect on those we care for and assist them in reducing their own anxieties.
  1. Go the extra mile to be there (even if we’re not physically there). There’s lots of helpful advice on our website www.buv.com.au/coronavirus about hygiene and ways to minimise physical contact. This is crucial and needs to be followed (especially for the elderly and vulnerable). But physical distance does not have to mean social distance. We are the Body of Christ, whether we are physically present or not. The church is more than the building. The reality of Covid-19 means we must do all that we can to be there for people. Just like the Good Samaritan who saw the beaten man on the road and stopped to help him, we can intentionally stop and help those who are fearful and feeling alone. This doesn’t have to be in person and, in fact, it may be the more loving thing not do this in person. A simple phone call, a text message, email or even a video call can make a world of difference to someone who is feeling alone at this time. We can build community by letting others know when we will be praying, so we can pray at the same time. If our church is currently not meeting together on the weekend, we have a wonderful opportunity to invite our small group, if all are well, to meet together in our homes and watch the service or listen to a podcast on-line. By remembering to check in on our neighbours to see how they are coping, we help connect and care. We can visit people we know might be feeling overwhelmed. Let’s ask God to lead us as we connect with people.
  1. Be a loving listener. It is a great gift in the midst of an overwhelming situation to have someone listen to and seek to understand us. By listening attentively, we demonstrate that the other person is important to us, to God and to the wider community. To be heard in the midst of the uncontrollable circumstances of a crisis, is received as an act of love.
  1. Be a bringer of hope. During this time there is real danger. People have died and will continue to die. We need to respond wisely. We don’t know how long this pandemic will last. However it is important for us to keep the big picture in mind. We are followers of Christ and through faith in Jesus we are new creations, forgiven, filled with the Spirit of God, gifted and called to live for God and there is nothing that can separate us from his love. Not Covid-19, not death, not anything.  So we can say with Paul, “if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord” (Rom 14:8). In Christ we have great hope. God is with us and will be with us forever.  
  1. Pray together. Prayers spoken aloud with people in anxious situations can help the situation to be seen differently. It’s not the number of words that is important. Often fewer word are better. When we express our honest concerns to God, reflect in prayerful silence on the promises in the Bible, and are still together before our living and loving God, we can know that we are not alone and God is with us.  Be real, be honest and pray together.

This is a unique time for us as Victorian Baptists, to love and care for one another and for those around us. We can do this together, sharing the load. If you feel exhausted, step back and recover. Ask someone else to share the load with you. As the Body of Christ, we have this opportunity to provide care, love and hope to others in our community, and we can do this together for God’s glory.

Responding Pastorally to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Responding Pastorally to COVID19

The Word Health Organisation has declared the Coronavirus a pandemic, and a time of global health crisis. In response to the dramatic effects which the virus is having on our economy, the Australian government has considered that now is a time to act with financial stimulus. We are now facing the banning of public gatherings of over 500 people.

For many people, those in our neighbourhoods, on the train, in our work places and schools, it is a time of great concern, even anxiety. People are asking “Am I prepared for this crisis?” “Will I be infected?” “Am I doing enough to protect myself and my family?” For leaders, there is an added sense of responsibility as they ask, “Am I leading in a way that helps people or am I adding to their anxiety?”

Christians today in Baptist churches across Victoria, have questions concerning what our response ought to be as we seek to respond to the COVID-19 virus. Some of us are seeing it as a time to boldly declare our trust in God, while others find it much harder than we had thought to remain calm and full of faith.

How can we respond, as Christlike followers, to this crisis?

  1. Remember that God is with us. God has promised, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5b). Jesus declared that he is with us even to the end of the age. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter. In the midst of the social media storm that tends to either make light of the situation or spread unbridled fear, it is good to remember that God is with us. Even in self-isolation when we can feel alone, God is still with us. There is nowhere that we can be where God is not. Slow down, take a few deep breaths and acknowledge God’s presence.
  1. Don’t be too surprised when things don’t go as planned. Jesus said “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Trouble is something we should expect. Suffering and setbacks are part of this world and we will face them as we live in such a way that we are looking forward with hope to the new heaven and new earth. Each day though, God is with us through each challenge to help us become more and more like him.   
  1. Be a non-anxious presence. For so many people there is a growing sense of anxiety, concern and fear. It’s not helpful for us to shout, “Do not panic!” Even urging people to forget their troubles and just trust God can seem trite and unhelpful. But when you engage in a calm, emotionally present and anxiety-free way, you engender trust which will be received as caring in any environment. We do this best by managing our feelings in such a way that we are neither distant and detached, nor flooding the situation with our unchecked emotions. This calmness, which comes from knowing that God is with us, will have an effect on those we care for and assist them in reducing their own anxieties.
  1. Go the extra mile to be there (even if we’re not physically there). There’s lots of helpful advice on our website www.buv.com.au/coronavirus about hygiene and ways to minimise physical contact. This is crucial and needs to be followed (especially for the elderly and vulnerable). But physical distance does not have to mean social distance. We are the Body of Christ, whether we are physically present or not. The church is more than the building. The reality of Covid-19 means we must do all that we can to be there for people. Just like the Good Samaritan who saw the beaten man on the road and stopped to help him, we can intentionally stop and help those who are fearful and feeling alone. This doesn’t have to be in person and, in fact, it may be the more loving thing not do this in person. A simple phone call, a text message, email or even a video call can make a world of difference to someone who is feeling alone at this time. We can build community by letting others know when we will be praying, so we can pray at the same time. If our church is currently not meeting together on the weekend, we have a wonderful opportunity to invite our small group, if all are well, to meet together in our homes and watch the service or listen to a podcast on-line. By remembering to check in on our neighbours to see how they are coping, we help connect and care. We can visit people we know might be feeling overwhelmed. Let’s ask God to lead us as we connect with people.
  1. Be a loving listener. It is a great gift in the midst of an overwhelming situation to have someone listen to and seek to understand us. By listening attentively, we demonstrate that the other person is important to us, to God and to the wider community. To be heard in the midst of the uncontrollable circumstances of a crisis, is received as an act of love.
  1. Be a bringer of hope. During this time there is real danger. People have died and will continue to die. We need to respond wisely. We don’t know how long this pandemic will last. However it is important for us to keep the big picture in mind. We are followers of Christ and through faith in Jesus we are new creations, forgiven, filled with the Spirit of God, gifted and called to live for God and there is nothing that can separate us from his love. Not Covid-19, not death, not anything.  So we can say with Paul, “if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord” (Rom 14:8). In Christ we have great hope. God is with us and will be with us forever.  
  1. Pray together. Prayers spoken aloud with people in anxious situations can help the situation to be seen differently. It’s not the number of words that is important. Often fewer word are better. When we express our honest concerns to God, reflect in prayerful silence on the promises in the Bible, and are still together before our living and loving God, we can know that we are not alone and God is with us.  Be real, be honest and pray together.

This is a unique time for us as Victorian Baptists, to love and care for one another and for those around us. We can do this together, sharing the load. If you feel exhausted, step back and recover. Ask someone else to share the load with you. As the Body of Christ, we have this opportunity to provide care, love and hope to others in our community, and we can do this together for God’s glory.

Source: BUV News