Messages from our Church Elders

Sonlife Communications Pastor's Word

 

MARCH 18, 2020

RE: SUNDAY SERVICES

Greetings Sonlife Church,

Please note that in response to recent developments relating to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) the Church Elders have decided that Sonlifers will NOT be meeting at the church building until further notice.  Instead, from this Sunday onwards we are organising online streaming of the church service so that you can still worship the Lord and hear from God’s Word from your very own home! You will be able to view our Sunday worship services via Facebook Live or our Sonlife YouTube channel.

Indeed, we are organising Sonlife Worship Sites (SWS) where Sonlifers and friends can attend to view the Sunday worship services and do church in smaller numbers all around our city.  We will advise of locations of various worship sites where people can attend, so please stay tuned. Please note, if you are not well and experiencing flu-like symptoms, or in a high-risk category please remain at home, where we would encourage you to also join in online every Sunday at 10am. 

Remember, our God is sovereign and he is in complete control. There is no fear for those in Christ, and as the people of God we will not let this stop us from being on mission. Continue to exercise wisdom and kindness in a time such as this.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”
                                                                                            [Psalm 91:1-2]

Blessings,

Sonlife Elders

_________________________________________

 

MARCH 14, 2020

Greetings Sonlife Church,

Most of you would be aware through the media that the Coronavirus or COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on our society throughout the world, including Australia.  Recently on Friday March 13th the Prime Minister announced that public meetings of more than 500 people should be cancelled as of Monday 16th May, in order to restrict the potential spread of the virus.  While the size of Sonlife does not fall into this category, we are taking preventative measures aimed at preventing the potential outbreak and spread of the virus within our congregation. If there are changes in circumstances within our community or the advice from government and health authorities, we may consider alternative approaches other than church wide meetings on Sunday morning.  We will keep everyone posted if and when this occurs.

In the meantime, we are heeding the current advice and recommendations from the WA health government and relevant Medical specialists.  Since we are aware that the coronavirus spreads in much the same way as the flu virus, we would like all Sonlifers to follow the three guidelines below with regards to attending Sunday service or any other Sonlife meeting:

  1. First if you have come back from overseas, we would recommend that, out of consideration for fellow Sonlifers, you stay at home for 14 days from your arrival back in Perth rather than attend the service or any Sonlife meeting. This does not apply just to high risk countries like China, South Korea, Italy and Iran, but any country, given that the virus has become a pandemic.  Note that you may have caught the virus and may not be displaying any symptoms, but you may still be infectious.
  2. If you do have flu like symptoms – cough, sore throat or a shortness of breath, we would recommend that you stay at home until you have fully recovered. If you are unsure whether or not your sickness is due to the coronavirus, or if you have been in contact with someone who has confirmed to have the virus, please contact the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
  3. Please practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for 20 seconds and if you are coughing or sneezing, please cough or sneeze into a tissue or into the crease of your elbow.  We will have hand sanitisers around the building at church so please use these. 

Please visit the WA Health Government website https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus for more details on the Coronavirus and how to respond to it.

In the light of these guidelines, if you are sick and are at home and feel lonely or anxious about whether or not to go to church, please remember that we are family and we are there for you.  Please give us a call, call the church office – (08) 9443 3232 or email info@sonlife.org, and one of the pastors or leaders at Sonlife will be in touch with you.

Finally, in the midst of these uncertain times, please be reminded that God is still sovereign and He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46).  Let us also remind ourselves of the confidence and security we have in Christ and let us not be afraid to share this with those around us.

Please also be reminded that we are still God’s community and will continue to be even if circumstances change and we can no longer meet together on Sundays for some period.  We will continue to serve, encourage and pray for one another regardless of the changes to the way we officially meet.

Thank for taking the time to read and note the guidelines above,

Blessings,

Church Elders