COVID-19 Update 1

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

Dear Harbour City Church family,
 
May our God of comfort, wisdom and power guide you and help all of us during this extraordinary time.  You may be burdened emotionally, seeking for sound information, and/or need help in real situations.  Please know that we as church family are with you and are here for you.  Reach out for anything at all, and let us love and help one another.
 
As for our regular church gatherings, we are not yet cancelling anything, at least not at this point and until further information necessitates such measure.  While various sporting events, concerts and other large-scale gatherings are being cancelled, and some workplaces are providing ways to work from home, we have not made a collective decision to cease all meetings in consideration of mitigating criteria.  The Australian government advises gatherings of over 500 to cancel, while in the U.S. the same advice goes for gatherings of 250 or more, accounting for the national scale of current viral impact.  These cancelled meetings and events are not “blown out of proportion” as they do serve a statistical purpose to curve down the risk factors. 
 
Our church is still rather small (under 100 on Sundays, and most others under 10), and fall well-under the recommended action criterion.  However, if you feel you need to safeguard yourself by staying home, we will respect that decision, and attempt our best to provide something to supplement.  We also ask that you self-quarantine if you know you have come in contact with those known to have caught COVID-19 or are not feeling well.  You should physically isolate yourself when you’re unwell, both to rest and recover, as well as to protect others.  In such a case, get in touch with your GP and follow their expert medical advice; and also get in touch with me and our elders either directly or through Growth Group or Community Group leaders and receive prayer and general support.
 
The challenging aspect of this pandemic is that COVID-19 is a “novel virus”, meaning it hasn’t been seen before, and the medical researchers are still trying to identify all its characteristics and come up with a vaccine.  So, until that is achieved, it only makes sense that we take extra precaution to help public safety for our church and our neighbours, and even for our own sake.
 
Most importantly, please do not live in fear.  Our Saviour secures us in His care in every way, both in this life and beyond.  Please recall the wonderful comfort outlined in Heidelberg catechism (Q&A - #1), and meditate on the Word of God as the links provide (http://www.heidelberg-catechism.com/en/lords-days/1.html).
 
While we do not fear to live fruitfully on earth, or even to die in Christ, we must also live wisely and responsibly.  If we should come to a point of deciding that public gatherings in any scale is not tenable within the scope of the spread of the virus, then we will not hesitate to cease any and all meetings.  This cancelling of meetings do not mean that the Church of Jesus Christ is closed or has ceased; and certainly the victory of the church is not in any way threatened [Matt.16:18].  We must remember that church is universal (transcending time and space) and spiritual.  The organic church will outlast this virus and any earthly threats to the end of present age, and to the glory of our returning King Jesus!
 
In the meantime, please pray hard for our neighbours and the world, and please help one another like the early church, and faithful churches throughout our grace-filled history.  Links to good reads: (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/what-early-church-teach-coronavirus/)
 
IN SUMMARY, these are what we are doing & our advice to our HCC community (including gathered information from various sources):

  • On PERSONAL HYGIENE:  Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with paper towel or hand dryer. Use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if hand-washing facilities are not readily available to you.

    • Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

    • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.

    • Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. If you take medication, ensure you have adequate supplies.

    • Phone your GP first if you need medical attention. He or she will tell you what to do.

    • Don't wear a face mask if you are well.

    • Get the flu shot (available April).

  • On GATHERINGS:  For now, we will continue meeting in large Sunday gatherings (under 100) for worship, and smaller gatherings (CGs & GGs) during weekdays. 

    • But if the situation escalates, we will notify you all through FB, website and emails of further closures and cancellations.

    • The potential future cancellation(s) may be in any order and scale (small, many, large, single).

  • On PHYSICAL TOUCHES & GREETING:

    • Practice “social distancing” - maintain at least 1 metre (3.3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing, and refrain from handshaking and hugging.

    • “Head nods” and beaming smiles are enough for now.  But if you must touch, “toe taps” and “elbow bumps” are okay too. 

    • Do not be offended if others do not “properly” touch-greet (hugs, handshake, etc.).  And do not be too sorry to offend others by not touching. 

Please know that I and elders and other servant-leaders are praying for you, our communities and the world.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for anything.  Also, below are additional information and guidance from good reputable sources that we can recommend.
 
In Christ’s mercy and grace,
Jim Jung
Pastor, HCC

HELPFUL RESOURCES

Helpful Resources

For more resources, please speak to our pastoral team and elders.