update

Hey Church Family

We wanted to give you an update on where we are in light of Scott Morrison’s announcement this morning regarding a ban on all non-essential public gatherings of 100 people or more.

In light of this announcement, our Leadership team met this afternoon and we have decided as a team to cancel our normal Sunday services at both the 10am and 5pm services from Sunday the 22nd of March onwards – this will include our Youth service. Many churches across our city are doing likewise. Preventative measures against the spread of COVID-19 are changing by the day, if not by the hour, so we currently don’t know how long our Sunday services will be closed for. In the process of coming to this decision we wrestled with many options that would enable us to honour the law of the land, be responsible to consider the safety and well-being of both our Church family and those they come into contact with, and also still care and provide for the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of our Church family.

So, what’s the plan then? Well, we are returning to the days of the Acts church and we will be gathering together in homes. This Sunday will see us begin a new season of what we are calling Red Door House Church. While we won’t be gathering all together on Sunday at Cockburn, we will still be gathering together across the city. Over the coming weeks we will shape and refine what this looks like, however the basic format of this gathering will be available at www.thereddoor.cc/house by the end of the week. Essentially it will be much like a Sunday service. Church will start in House Church homes at 10am with worship with songs provided from a Spotify playlist. There’ll be a time of prayer for our giving and then a time of teaching via video, finishing with a time of discussion and prayer. We will also have a resource available for RedKids. (Included in the information for the Sunday service we will also provide information on how to make your home as Coronavirus “unfriendly” as possible.)

Acts 5:42
Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

To help us facilitate this new format though we’re going to need your help.

Firstly: If you are willing to open your home to be a Red Door House Church could you please let us know, and could you also please let us know how many people you are able to host in your home. While we won’t be encouraging gatherings of more than 10-15 people it’s helpful to know how many you are able to accommodate. If it’s only a few, that’s completely fine.

Secondly: If you are willing to host a Home Church and you already have an idea of who will be gathering in your home for church on Sunday could you please let us know who these people are.

Thirdly: If you would like to join a Red Door House Church also please let us know. (We will be working our way through our Family Member database allocating people by area as host homes become available.)

(In regards to all of the above please email Barbara at barbara@thereddoor.cc.)

We expect for the first few weeks things might be a little bumpy as we iron out any kinks and as we also adapt to any new government regulations that may arise, so we ask for your patience. Until you have a House Church to attend please still gather with us in your own home. And a reminder, if you are self-isolating at the moment then please know it’s also totally fine to do church in your own home. We know that there are a number of you who for various reasons have made the decision to self-isolate and who are grateful to have access to Red Door On-line.

Remember the church gathering may be cancelled for a season, but the church is still gathering to celebrate Jesus our Lord and Saviour.

Now, some of you might be wondering, what does this mean for Connect Groups? If you want to make your Connect Group your Red Door House Church and gather on a Sunday morning together that is fine, just please let us know. Also, if you want to still gather together fortnightly on a Wednesday then we will leave that decision in your capable hands.

We also just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge those within our family who are going to deeply feel the absence of a Sunday gathering. While some of you might be relishing the idea of smaller gatherings and even being isolated, there will be those who will struggle with this new dynamic. Please let us remind you, you are not alone. If you are really struggling with feelings of isolation and fear then please do not hesitate to give us call. And church family please be mindful of those you know who might be isolated and would appreciate someone reaching out to them.

In addition to the above we have also decided to cancel this years Good Friday Walkthrough which is disappointing for many, however we believe necessary as we care for the vulnerable in our community.

Finally church, be encouraged. We are convinced that God is doing something remarkable through this time – what was intended for evil, God will use for good, for the saving of many lives (Gen 50:20). Through this trial there is an amazing opportunity for God to refine and build His church.

Much love

Adam and Dale Meredith