COVID-19 Updates

MBC COVID-19 Update

The MBC COVID-19 Response Team (Matt, Rob, Owen, Ian) are meeting regularly to discuss the implications of the changing environment for the church. We will post information here as the situation changes.

12th July 2020

The CRT held its scheduled meeting this week. Unfortunately given the latest government announcements, the situation we face as a church is the ongoing closure of the church building and the requirement of all MBC groups that meet offsite or in homes also to obey the new rules. These rules only permit us to leave the house for certain reasons, none of which are for general religious activities. The bulk of our church life will necessarily remain online for this period. For now, our use of the church building remains ‘paused’ and we have to follow the new lockdown for 6 weeks, or until at least Wednesday 19/8/20. CRT will continue to meet and monitor things fortnightly.

As we enter this new challenge, when hopes feel dashed, let us all pay prayerful attention to those about us who are affected by this situation. Pastors and elders are ready to respond, pray, visit, phone or drop off a care pack – please let us know. This is a time to attend to those most in need. Remember also to pray for our leaders who need wisdom.

If you have any questions please reach out to member of the CRT: Andrew, Matt, Rob or Owen.

16th June 2020

We are pleased to announce the decision by the Church Leadership to re-open the church premise from the start of Term 3 13th July 2020) in certain circumstances. This is inline with the easing of restrictions from the State and Federal Governments and advice from the BUV.

We have developed a number of measures to allow this to happen including changes to the entrance and entry of the premises, like sign in and out sheets for contact tracing, cleaning requirements for the premises, development of a MBC COVID Safe Policy and Incident Response Plan and appointment of a MBC COVID Safety Officer.

However, church won’t quite be returning to normal from the 13th July. Ministries and groups wanting to use the church premises will be required to seek permission from the MBC COVID-19 Response Team. For more information about this, please contact the MBC COVID Safety Officer, Cathy Stewart at [email protected] or on the church office number.

We are committed to our church being a safe and responsible member of our community and providing safety for all people associated with MBC. We strongly advise that all MBC groups and ministries follow the advice of the State and Federal Governments.

Ministries: Our building at 8-12 Simla St, Mitcham will remain closed until the 13th July 2020. A number of our ministries are virtually continuing in this current environment, so we encourage you to contact your ministry leader about any alternative ministry arrangements.

Weekend Services: Services will continue to be live streamed at 10 am and 6 pm on Facebook in our closed Mitcham Baptist Church Group. Click here to stream the English Congregation service.

The leadership encourages you to watch the streams live at home. This will ensure you are connected to the MBC Community during this difficult time. If you don’t have the capability of watching the live stream, please let us know and we will help you get connected. The Mandarin Congregation will have a service provided by Ps Waikwong Sun online at 10 am. Click here to stream the Mandarin Congregation service.

Blast: The Blast Team are producing resources for upcoming services. There will be a video on the website for the kids to watch during the live stream of the 10am service plus some activities to print off for the kids to do.

MBC premises: Our building at 8-12 Simla St is closed until the 13th July 2020. No meetings or events are to be held on site. Some staff will still be working onsite at various times during the week. If you need to contact Cathy, you can on 9873 2576 or 0427 980 265 during the office hours Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9am – 4pm.

Connect Groups: Connect Groups provide great community and encouragement at this time, so it is important to stay connected. If you are not in a Connect Group, why not join one by emailing here: [email protected]

Weekly Prayer Group:
It is important that we continue praying as a church, seeking God at this time. We are looking at how these can continue in some form, possibly over video conferencing. We will let you know when the next Corporate Prayer event is.

Church Community:
Where you have a pastoral care need, follow the normal process of informing Andrew, Ian, the church office or the Elders via phone or email.
If you are concerned for your health or someone you know, please seek appropriate medical advice.
If you have specific needs or things that the church community can assist with, please don’t hesitate to contact the Church Leadership or the Church office.
We have a specific Fund set up to assist people in need. If you would like to contribute to that fund, please transfer the money via EFT into the Church account below.
Please be looking out for each other. Why not plan to ring 3 people each week who you would normally see at a Church Service or ministry.

Care Packs: We have Care Packs available for those in need. These include essential food supplies. If you know someone in the MBC Community in need, please contact Bev Lang or the Church Office.

Offering: We encourage you as part of your normal worship to continue giving your tithe. If you are able to can you give via EFT:

Church Bank Account
Mitcham Baptist Church
BSB: 063-146
Account: 00900195

Wider Ministry / Missionary Fund:
Mitcham Baptist Church Missionary Committee
BSB: 063 146
Account: 00900830
If you are unable to give via EFT, please contact our Treasurer John Poustie or the Church Office and we will work out other arrangements.

Flattening the curve:

Whilst the State Government has recently relaxed the restriction, we encourage you to do all you can minimise the spread of COVID-19.

Were you do leave the house or have others in your home, the advice is:

You must stay 1.5m away from people whenever possible.
Wash your hands properly and wash them regularly.
If you are unwell, please see appropriate medical advice.

DHHS has further advice here. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-covid-19

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谢谢

13^th May 2020

The COVID Response Team have met this week in light of new announcements from the State and Federal Governments and advice from the BUV. CRT noted that while there is some, minimal lessening of restrictions for certain categories of gatherings, the responsibilities on the church for any activities on site has actually increased. For example, the church now needs to maintain a register and contact details for all people who visit the church property, supply hand sanitiser and ensure that all surfaces are cleaned after every group has used it.

Therefore, because of these added responsibilities and the fact that the small increase in numbers permitted still does not cater for pretty much all church groups, ministries or tenants, we have decided to keep the church property closed for the month of May, except for church staff. The current restrictions last until 31^st of May and the CRT will review any changes made by the government at that time.

Ministries: Our building at 8-12 Simla St, Mitcham will remain closed until the end of May 2020. A number of our ministries are virtually continuing in this current environment, so we encourage you to contact your ministry leader about any alternative ministry arrangements.

Weekend Services: Services will continue to be live streamed at 10 am and 6 pm on Facebook in our closed Mitcham Baptist Church Group. Click here to stream the English Congregation service.

MBC premises: Our building at 8-12 Simla St is closed until the end of May 2020. No meetings or events are to be held on site. Some staff will still be working onsite at various times during the week. If you need to contact Cathy, you can on 9873 2576 or 0427 980 265 during the office hours Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9am – 4pm.

Connect Groups: We encourage you to continue meeting virtually at this time. Connect Groups provide great community and encouragement at this time, so it is important to stay connected. If you are not in a Connect Group, why not join one by emailing here: [email protected]

Care Packs: We have Care Packs available for those in need. These include essential food supplies. If you know someone in the MBC Community in need, please contact Bev Lang or the Church Office.

Offering: We encourage you as part of your normal worship to continue giving your tithe. If you are able to can you give via EFT:

Church Bank Account
Mitcham Baptist Church
BSB: 063-146
Account: 00900195

Flattening the curve:

Whilst the State Government has recently relaxed the restriction, we encourage you to do all you can minimise the spread of COVID-19. The State Government has outlined five reason you can leave home.

shop for food and other necessary goods and services,
access medical services or provide caregiving – for example, this includes shared parenting obligations or providing care and support to an unwell, disabled, elderly or pregnant friend or relative,
attend work or education where you can’t do those things from home,
exercise and participate in some recreational activities adhering to the rules,
visit friends, family and loved ones while adhering to the rules.

Were you do leave the house or have others in your home, the advice is: