In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in line with the rest of the Anglican Province of NSW, the Bishop of Grafton, Dr Murray Harvey, has announced that all churches in the diocese will cease offering public worship from Monday March 23.
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While this is for an indefinite period, the situation will be reviewed every fortnight. The closure does not include Anglican schools and only applies to public worship in churches.
It has been timed so that parishioners can be told this coming Sunday (March 22) of the forthcoming closure and be given details about ongoing arrangements.
Reverend Anne Goode, who was commissioned as the new priest for the parish of the Bellinger last month, said the final service would comply with all health guidelines.
"People are encouraged to clean their hands regularly and thoroughly and observe social distancing. We will not be sharing the common cup or greeting one another with physical contact."
She said the church plans to offer people pastoral care via email and phone and there are several options from churches in the Grafton Diocese for online streaming of worship and meditation.
"Grafton Cathedral, for example, is offering a variety of resources, Facebook groups, online study and sharing groups for people to converse with one another.
"Coffs Harbour and Dorrigo are also streaming sermons and other resources to help people stay connected and spiritually inspired.
"There will be an increasing number of ways that we investigate to connect with people that doesn't require physically being together."
Rev Anne said at this stage she will still be offering pastoral services in the hospital. "And I will be available throughout the pandemic for telephone pastoral care and prayer," she said.
"Unfortunately the Urunga Anglican Op shop will be closing as of midday on Saturday.
"We ask that for the present time no donations be left at the Urunga shop please. The Anglican Op Shop in Bellingen, Meg's Boutique, will remain open for now. We will follow all the health departments guidelines."
Rev Anne encourages people to listen to the health department's updates and not to get caught in the social media frenzy.
Dr Harvey said that temporarily pausing public services of worship demonstrates responsibility to the wider community in trying to minimise the spread of the virus.
"As a Diocese we want to cooperate with NSW Health and the wider community in taking immediate and targeted action to contain the virus through early identification of cases, the implementation of social distancing and exclusion strategies as well as the ceasing of non-essential gatherings".
"Parishes will give thought to how they can continue to provide spiritual and pastoral care, such as by leaving the church open at certain times for private prayer. Advice will be given about how to access Christian worship and resources online."
The full statement from Bishop Harvey is available at: https://www.graftondiocese.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Pastoral-Letter.pdf
