What is happening in Tasmania?

The Tasmania government will allow freedom of travel on December 15th 2021. Despite regulations in place (such as the requirement for a negative test before entry) we ought to expect that COVID19 will arrive in the state in the coming months and will begin to spread through community transmission.

What should we expect?

The goal of the state government will be to control the spread of COVID19 in such a way that the health system will not be overburdened and those who are especially vulnerable to the effects of the virus will be protected as much as possible. The hope is to do all this while avoiding lockdowns.

We should expect updated public health requirements (eg masks, venue capacity, cleaning, COVID19 tests and isolation).

What is our hope at Crossroads?

Even though Covid-19 has forced some hard decisions on us all, we believe that we can still live good lives as God wants us to, exhibiting his kindness and grace to all others in this time.

When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. (Titus 3.4-8)

What is our approach/policy at Crossroads?

Our policy at Crossroads is keep in step with the public health orders. This means:

If vaccination isn’t required for gatherings, we wont be asking for that.

If masks aren’t required, we won’t be asking for that, but recognise some may wish to wear.

If a temporary lockdown happens, we will of course follow that.

People should not attend church if they have cough, fever, tiredness and other symptoms

We will renew our attention to check-in compliance, hand sanitiser and regular announcements and updates.

What are some of our back up plans?

We may not be able to provide a ministry one week (eg creche, kids, Growth Group) because leaders are required to isolate.

We may have to cancel some events or run them in a modified way (eg church camp)

What will happen if Covid-19 is detected at church or in a close contact of our church.

The owners of our building have completed an Outbreak Management Plan

If Covid-19 is detected in our church or in a close contact, the building owners will be contacted by Public Health Tasmania. Next, Crossroads leaders will be contacted and given step-by-step advice on what must be done.

How can we do good and show God’s kindness to each other?

Some of us might be worried and sad. Other much less so. But we can let each other ‘be’ and let each other live their own lives before God.

Some may wish avoid church activities for a time. That’s each person’s choice before God. Some may need to avoid because of health. The Sunday church livestream will continue. We encourage those who are away to let us know so we can pray for and check in on them.

If feeling unwell stay home. If others are unwell pray for them.

The hope of the life to come and the new life of the Spirit give us strength to live as God wants. Its good to remind one another of these excellent truths. And if away, seek to come back together as soon as we can.