Community Response and Resources

In the event we change Alert Levels with the COVID-19 Pandemic, this page will be updated to reflect the current Alert Level. It contains extra information and resources for COVID-19

On-line Worship Opportunities - Click Here
Child, Youth, Family Resources - Click Here
Covid 19 update page Level 2 — Click Here
Policy and Guidance Alert Levels 1 to 4
COVID-Tracer Posters
Faith Communities - Click Here
Supporting Your Mental Health

Latest COVID-19 Advice

Please make sure you look at our Coronavirus Covid-19 Level 2 Update page which has the latest information and advice. We have updated these links as we are on Alert Level 2 from 12 August 2020.

We are sharing best practice related to what an evolving situation presents us with. Remember that as people who read the Bible, Pray and Live out the Life of Christ, that we continue to put our trust in Christ and be agents of calm and reassurance in our communities.

    In short:

    • We are back in Alert Level 1.The main message is to play it safe so we can maintain all of our hard won gains.
      • Stay at home if you feel unwell. Use Healthline’s dedicated 0800 number for COVID-19 health advice and information (0800 358 5453).
      • (optional) Wear a mask if you are in public places  where social distancing is difficult
      • Keep your distance from other people in public i.e. ideally 2 metres for those we don’t know outside the home and 1 metre in places where we know others and contract tracing measures are in place.
      • (Optional) Wear a mask if out in public, and this may be mandatory on public transport (including buses in Auckland and domestic travel flights). 

    Adice for all Alert levels: 

    • Keep a note of where you have been and who you have seen. Use the COVID tracer app, your own diary or contract tracing registers in places that you visit.
    • Wash and dry your hands. Wash often. Use soap. 20 seconds. Then dry. This kills the virus by bursting its protective bubble.Use a sanitiser if running water not immediately available.
    • Be kind. Drop supplies to those at home sick and ensure you have no physical contact.
    • Maintain a distance of 2 metres with maximum of 15 minutes with anyone outside your immediate household (e.g. if you are going for a breath of fresh air outside). Use the phone, a video messaging system or something similar.

    Want to know more? See the Ministry of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage  or the Government’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage

     

    Love Rises to the Challenge

    We are embracing change and new ways of ministry as we unite against COVID-19

     

    Bishop Steve has asked: Who in your faith community needs a daily phone call? Needs shopping done – possibly to be left at the front door? Who would value your prayers and a chat?

    “How can we make these restrictions an opportunity for personal spiritual intimacy with God? Re-awakening in us again the prime directive that we can only love God and others because God loved us first.”

    Dame Anne Salmond writes:

    “Instead of “social distancing”, we can show aroha by blowing kisses, or putting hand on heart, or waving (especially the “East Coast wave”), still expressing affection while keeping each other safe.  Instead of “self-isolation”, leaving frightened, vulnerable people to fend for themselves, we can set up a Tiaki Helpline, making sure they have someone to talk to, and access to food and medicine. Instead of sacrificing our kaumātua, let’s adopt a manāki strategy that cares for the elders, since they are most at risk.Aroha ki te tangata, tiaki i te whenua, manāki i ngā kaumatua – Love the people, care for the land, look after our elders. This is a time to show our mettle as a nation, and stand tall in the land.”

    If you have any ideas and resources to share to help love rise to the challenge, please contact the Registrar Andrew Metcalfe .

    Love Rises to the Challenge Ideas and Resources

    • How about you print out (onto light card) and give the COVID-19_Community-Card to drop off to neighbours, especially if you know someone is isolated?

    Make sure your Parish or Church contacts list is up to date.

    What about other ways of continuing ministry such as:

    • Regular emails
    • Podcasts or videos/live streams of services/events
    • Use of social media/websites to publish prayers, readings, reflections, music, etc.
    • Services of prayer that parishioners can use from home
    • Webinars
    • Telephone trees
    • Prayer chains.

     

    Check out these links:

    Prayer and Solitude Resources

    Having to Self Isolate or feeling stressed?

     

    Are you supporting others?

     

    Tear Fund have a useful resource that describes what can be going on during a pandemic or other natural disaster and is worth reading. It also had practical tips for taking care of your own well-being. 

    Supporting Your Mental Health

    Shut in or need something to do?

     

    Top 100 Virtual Tours Around The World [2020]
    3d Tours: The Complete Guide for Your Virtual Travel Experiences 2020
    Best 20 AR tours around the world
    Virtual Tourism [2020] | Breaking the Boundaries of Time & Space
    50 Best 360 Virtual Tours Of 2020   

     

    Child, Youth & Family Resources - Click Here

    A prayer on page 465 of A New Zealand Prayer books starts by saying:  “God of peace let us your people know that at the heart of turbulence there is an inner calm which comes from you…” 

    Regular Patterns of Worship

    Why not create a worship shape to your week – have a particular place and time and light a candle when you start. For example:

    1. Every day – a short time with a Bible reading and prayer for family and a reflection on the
      day. (Family Prayer from p 187       ANZPB is an option.)
    2. Join a Zoom hosted morning or evening prayer (see options for this on our On-line and Live Worship page)
    3. On Sunday – join online with some form of  worship if you are unable to attend in person
    4. Once a week – a study style time when you “dig-in” and learn about something biblical or theological. Share your reflections with a couple of people by email or set up a Zoom meeting for this with others that you know (talk to the Diocesan Office if you need a hand)

    Some resources to feed your mind and Soul

    • The Bible Project – a series on YouTube that will help you understand more about how the Bible has come together
    • Pilgrim Course – a series of studies with supporting videos exploring faith from (Church of England)
    • C.S. Lewis Doodles – a BBC series on YouTube that reads through  works such as Mere Christianity, with accompanying graphics.

     

    Check out these links:

    Our Resources

    Other Devotional Resources

    For Younger Ones…