This page was last updated .
3/11/2021
Church services resume at St Matthew’s on 7/11/2021. Density restrictions mean we must limit attendance in our main worship space to 45 people. A further 45 can gather in meeting room 3 to participate in the service via the big screen (a little like being at home, but with a group of your friends!).
To book your spot at these services, please use the ticketing system. To attend you’ll need your ticket, a mask, check-in, and have your proof of full vaccination sighted at the door. We sincerely apologise if you miss out on a spot at church – our hearts are heavy that these measures are necessary, but we also understand their necessity to love our neighbour – especially the vulnerable among us. Services will still be livestreamed on stmatts.online.church
It is our understanding that the density limits will no longer apply to services from 28/11/2021.
3/11/2021 THE INFORMATION BELOW IS NOW OUT OF DATE
LOCKDOWN #4 – Sunday 30/5/2021 will be an online service as no gatherings are permitted on site for a period of 7 days. Service will be at stmatts.online.church from 9.50am on Sunday
28/05/2021 THE INFORMATION BELOW IS NOW OUT OF DATE
Basic information about returning to on-site gatherings at St Matthew’s:
(this page will be updated in more detail once Christmas preparations are complete!).
We are permitted to gather in our buildings if we abide by state government and Anglican Diocese rules. These rules have shifted somewhat over recent months, but here’s what you need to know for now:
- Please bring a mask to enter the church building
- Expect to have your attendance recorded so we can comply with contact tracing efforts, if it is ever required. You can register yourself using a QR code, or someone will assist you to register on the day.
- Hand sanitiser will be available
- Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell
- “Cafe Church” throughout January will help us develop good habits, as we can practice social distancing around tables throughout the facility, and we expect fewer people to attend during the summer holiday period.
24/12/2020 THE INFORMATION BELOW IS NOW OUT OF DATE
Wondering how to respond in the midst of this global trial? Read this guest article from the Mental Health & Pastoral Care Institute about six reminders that can help all of us as we encounter the challenges of coronavirus
7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Amidst concerns surrounding the coronavirus, we wanted to share a few thoughts on how we can unite together as a family and pursue faith, hope and love.
We – your leaders and doctors within our community – are closely monitoring the advice from our Federal and State governments and health authorities and are seeking to be proactive with preventative strategies and future planning.
As the situation changes, any updated information regarding ministry at St Matthew’s will be published in our weekly newsletter and this web page.
We are committed to doing everything we can to provide a safe environment and continuing our mission to know Jesus and make him known.
This is an opportunity to look for creative and compassionate ways to serve those in need and offer hope for those feeling fearful.
ARE REGULAR SUNDAY SERVICES AND OTHER CHURCH EVENTS STILL ON?
No.
All activities at St Matthew’s have been cancelled for the time being.
In special circumstances funerals may be conducted according to government guidelines.
The government has restricted gatherings for places of worship, considering a church service as a non-essential gathering. And that’s why we’re going online – Sundays at 10am stmatts.online.church
The church office will remain open, but instead of dropping in, we ask that you call Helen to safeguard her health.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS?
Recommendations are changing regularly. We are now on Stage 2 restrictions. Check online for full details.
These recommendations are likely out of date, but here’s what we were doing early on in the crisis:
- Wash your hands regularly (using soap, for 20+ seconds) and/or use hand sanitiser before and after services and events.
- Avoid shaking people’s hands at church – consider alternative greeting gestures that don’t involve touching hands or faces. Be creative, toe tap, smile etc.
- Cover your nose and mouth if you cough or sneeze with a tissue or upper sleeve or elbow, and then thoroughly wash your hands.
- If you are sick or have cold or flu-like symptoms, please do not attend a St Matthew’s church service or event.
- If your children are sick or have cold or flu-like symptoms, please do not bring them to Kids Church, Friday Youth or any other event.
- If you have recently travelled overseas, please check the current Australian Government restrictions, and follow the isolation guidelines if you have visited one of the high-risk countries. Please do not attend a St Matthew’s service or event during the isolation period.
- Have confidence in the supremacy of Jesus in all times; continue to love one another, and to serve our church community and our cities with the love of Christ.
- Be praying for our government leaders, medical staff, and for those affected.
HOW CAN I KEEP CONNECTED IF I AM UNWELL?
- If you contract coronavirus, it’s important that you let us know so we can support you in any way we can. This will also allow us to inform anyone you may have had contact with from church.
- We hope to be able to offer alternative ways to gather as a community – particularly online options.
- Log in to the St Matts member area to continue following along with the Lent teaching series.
For current information on the coronavirus from the Australian Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert