We’re all building the plane while flying it!

“Hundreds of Sydney Anglican congregations have held church services via livestream or videoconference for the second week in a row, on a special day of prayer for the effects of the coronavirus. …”

– Russell Powell has a taste of what’s happening in Anglican churches around Sydney.

St. Andrew’s Cathedral Service 29 March 2020

Here’s this morning’s service from St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney.

Archbishop Glenn Davies’ video for the special Day of Prayer on Sunday March 29

Archbishop Glenn Davies speaks about praying through the Coronavirus pandemic and a special day of prayer on Sunday March 29th.

Download to play during your ‘virtual church’.

“Prayer is our best weapon against the forces of darkness, and this virus, as part of the fallen world, is exactly that. God’s in control, but this virus is doing a deadly work around the world.”

The Archbishop encourages us all to devote ourselves to prayer (Colossians 4:2) – and to be specific in our prayers. A very helpful video.

Tighter restrictions on home gatherings push fellowship online

“A number of new restrictions on gatherings mean that home groups are no longer possible according to government COVID-19 guidelines.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday night, that visits to homes, even with family, ‘should be kept to a minimum and with very small numbers of guests’. …”

– The latest from SydneyAnglicans.net.

(Photo: An almost deserted Sydney shopping mall yesterday.)

Archbishop Glenn Davies speaks about the COVID-19 crisis at The Pastor’s Heart

Archbishop of Sydney Glenn Davies joined Dominic Steele to answer questions on how we can lead our churches through the COVID-19 crisis – at The Pastor’s Heart.

33 minutes, well worth watching.

Archbishop Glenn Davies’ term extended to March 2021

“Archbishop Glenn Davies will continue to lead the Sydney Diocese until March next year, after his term was extended in the emergency circumstances of the Coronavirus.

Archbishops must retire at age 70. Dr Davies turns 70 in September and in order to allow a smooth transition had given notice that he would retire two months early, in July. This would have allowed an election Synod in August and the new Archbishop to chair the next Synod in October. The COVID-19 emergency means that the election synod will now not be held as scheduled.

The Standing Committee of the Diocese met on Monday night and voted unanimously to ask Dr Davies to withdraw his resignation to allow him to continue until March 2021.

Several Standing Committee members spoke strongly in favour of the move, saying it would allow stability of leadership through troubled times and help the Episcopal team remain at full strength to care for their regions.

Dr Davies absented himself during the debate and returned to applause as the decision was announced.

‘My wife and I have served Christ together in ministry for many years and are happy to continue to serve wherever we are needed,’ Dr Davies said. ‘I am humbled and grateful for the support of the Standing Committee. More than ever, I am thankful for the many people who uphold us in prayer.’ ”

– With thanks to Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net.

Please continue to pray for Archbishop Davies and the members of his team as they preach Christ, and encourage churches to continue to be faithful in these trying times.

Churches challenged to continue care as they move online

“The first Sunday of Australian Christianity’s new normal has seen hundreds of Sydney Anglican Parishes go online, reminding members of the love of Jesus amid the pressures of COVID-19. …

‘I thank God for Sydney Anglicans who rose to the occasion today and met the challenges of not meeting in churches as they have done all their lives,’ said Archbishop Glenn Davies. …”

– Story from SydneyAnglicans.net.

Photo: Dean of Sydney Kanishka Raffel, during the Cathedral’s livestream.

Dr. Charlotte Hespe — What you must know about COVID-19

See this video, one from the Archbishop, and additional helpful information at the Sydney Diocese webpage on COVID-19.

Sydney Diocese launches COVID-19 webpage

The Diocese of Sydney has just launched a dedicated web-page for resources about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initially, there’s this encouraging message from Archbishop Glenn Davies, and a very informative video from Dr. Charlotte Hespe.

There are Frequently Asked Questions and links to helpful resources.

Bookmark it and see what’s there.

Sydney Anglican public gatherings suspended because of COVID-19

“Archbishop Glenn Davies has issued a public statement on the future of church services because of the spread of COVID-19.

‘In light of the Prime Minister’s announcement this morning, banning enclosed gatherings in excess of 100 people, I have decided that the Anglican Church in Sydney should suspend all public church gatherings until further notice.’ the Archbishop said.

‘We are encouraging all our churches to consider providing their services online or by other communication methods. We shall make every effort to care for our church communities and the wider public, especially those who are isolated and vulnerable. Anglicare Sydney will continue its vital work of showing Christ’s love in ministering to all people, especially older Australians. Anglican Schools will also continue to play a significant role in caring for students and families.’ the official statement said.

‘I call on all Christians to pray for health workers and those seeking to develop a vaccine and to pray that the spread of this disease may slow. God’s love for all people has not diminished, nor his sovereignty over his world. Therefore, I urge all Christians to continue to trust in God’s goodness and mercy in this crisis, and to show Christ’s love to those affected.’”

Via SydneyAnglicans.net.

Cathedrals lead historic prayer amid COVID-19 pandemic

“For the first time since the second world war, Anglican Cathedrals in Sydney, Parramatta and Wollongong will lead public prayer for their cities as the effects of the pandemic grow.

Because of the social-distancing measures in force, ministers at each of the Cathedrals will lead prayer, in the open, on the steps of their buildings. …

At St Andrew’s Cathedral in the city, the Dean of Sydney, Kanishka Raffel said prayer was part of the life of the cathedral, but especially so now.

‘We pray regularly for the life and welfare of the City of Sydney at the Cathedral. …

Most of all we want to call people to remember Jesus’ invitation to turn to him, with all our weariness and burdens, to find the rest that only he can provide.’”

– Story from SydneyAnglicans.net.

Related:

Bishops lead prayers on church steps as visitors keep social distance – Sydney Morning Herald.

COVID-19: Thanksgiving Service for Bishop Ivan Lee cancelled

Archbishop Glenn Davies has written to Western Sydney churches with the sad news that the Thanksgiving Service planned for Bishop Ivan Lee on Saturday March 28 has had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus. He also asks all to continue to uphold Virginia and her family in prayer.

Related:

With thanksgiving for Bishop Ivan Lee – ACL President’s tribute.

“We have lost a great champion for the gospel” – SydneyAnglicans.net.

Sydney Diocese COVID-19 Update Tuesday 17 March

“Archbishop Glenn Davies has warned of the seriousness of the situation facing Sydney Diocese in coming months, saying further advice will be forthcoming from the Diocese’s COVID-19 Task Force. …

Bishop Gary Koo, the Bishop of Western Sydney who formerly practised as a doctor, is chairing the COVID-19 Task Force for the diocese.”

– from SydneyAnglicans.net.

Nexus Conference 2020 postponed

Here’s an e-mail from the organisers of the Nexus Conference:

Dear Nexus friends

It will perhaps not come as a surprise to you that we have decided to postpone next Monday’s Nexus Conference (set down for March 23).

Our committee has been talking and praying about the issue over the past week, and keeping a close eye on the developing situation. In view of the government’s latest advice and requirements about non-essential gatherings, we feel that postponing the conference is the best way forward in the circumstances.

We have tentatively rescheduled the 2020 Nexus conference for Monday, September 14 or 21. We are still working to finalise the exact date, timing and venue, and will be back in touch very soon with those details.

For those who have already registered for Nexus20, there are two options available:

We are disappointed of course not to be able to proceed with Nexus next Monday, as I’m sure you are. But we are only engaged in gospel ministry (including running conferences like this) because we believe in the infinite goodness and power of God, and in his unstoppable purposes in Jesus Christ. We know he will work for the good of those who love him in all things, including the current chaotic circumstances.

With warmest regards in Christ

The Nexus Committee

(Tony Payne, Adrian Russell, Sarah Vigar, Dominic Steele, Carl Matthei, Chris Braga)

Men Meeting the Challenge Conference postponed

Richard Bolton, Convenor of the Men Meeting the Challenge Conference, has announced the postponement of this year’s conference –

“As you will be aware the Prime Minister and the Chief Medical Officer have made announcements regarding responses to the COVID19 pandemic. 

In response, the Men Meeting the Challenge conference committee has met this afternoon, and following prayerful consideration, and out of loving Christian concern for our community, we have made the difficult decision to not proceed with the Men Meeting the Challenge Conference as scheduled for 28 March 2020.

We wanted to get this information to you as soon as possible. We will make a further announcement next week about rescheduling and refund requests for pre purchased tickets.”

In the meantime, talks from previous years are available on their website.

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