Uniting Church in Australia
Northern Synod

Friday, March 20, 2020

Hello Everyone,

Greeting all in the name of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for following the advice by both The Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

By now you have received the Pastoral letter from our Moderator and UCA President. You have also received pastoral information from the Pilgrim Presbytery and NRCC.

You are encouraged as Church Council / Executive Committee and Presbytery to make suitable and appropriate decisions in your context and within the strict safety criteria as directed by the relevant medical authorities.

For all congregations, please follow the advice of your presbytery.
In solidarity with Northern Territory Council of Churches, we advise all congregation, where appropriate, to use worship time as a time of deep prayer and reflection.

For all other UCA school and agencies, please follow the advice of your relevant board and CEO.
From Monday 23rd of March 2020 onward, congregations, worshiping communities and all related Church services are encouraged not to gather anymore in their usual time on Sunday for public worship, but to seek new ways of connecting with each other as Community of Christ.

However if government advice changes before Sunday, congregations can make their decision as they see fit.
All other related services including Op shops, Day Care, After-care, Men’s group and other church groups are also encouraged to exercise their discretion in a precautionary manner and make appropriate decision within the safety advice. .
Please note that this is not to alarm people but just to provide support and encouragement for people to make calm and informed decisions according to the latest developments according to the NT Government and Commonwealth Government.

We will continue to provide information when required.
Thank you all for your patience, cooperation and support. May God protection, love and care be upon you all during this period of caring for one another in Christ.

Let me finish with John 14:27 the very soothing word by Jesus.

” Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”(nrsv)

In Christ,

Rev Haloti Kailahi
General Secretary