St Mark’s services are open for all this Sunday

See below for latest update

📢 latest update 📢

24 December 2021

As of December 15th, the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne has instructed all churches to open up services to all, regardless of vaccination status (click on tab below to read). At St Marks, we want to do so from this Sunday, while recognising that some will feel cautious about attending mixed services. This pandemic has resulted in deeply held convictions which span a range of perspectives. As the church, we lean on the grace and kindness of our Lord, and ask for respect, understanding and patience toward one another.

In light of this decision, from this Sunday until 12th January the following measures will be implemented in all of our services:

• Masks are mandatory at all services:
  - Mask-wearing is now a government requirement for religious services. We therefore ask everyone attending services to wear a mask as an act of love for one another
  - We will create signage outside the church building making this clear and offer masks to anyone at the door who may have come unprepared
  - Children under 8 years old are not required to wear a mask

• Refreshments will be served in alignment with government and Diocesan guidelines:
  - Masks will be worn by those preparing and serving refreshments at all services
  - On Christmas Day and 10am on Sunday the 26th we will not serve refreshments

• QR codes:
  - Check in at the door will continue

• Cleaning:
  - We will clean high touch points after all services

• Pew bibles and prayer books:
  - These will not be used for the next few weeks
  - Instead, single use booklets and outlines will be handed out upon entry to the church where appropriate

Our hope and prayer is that these actions will mitigate COVID risks, while allowing us to be united as one body in Christ, loving and serving one another and our community. Thank you for your grace and patience.

"I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all." - Eph 4:1-5

**Reminders of the current restrictions

to keep us safe and meeting face to face**

QR Code Check-in

• We require each person (not one per family) to 'check-in' with the QR code at one of the stations outside the doors with your smart phone; or we can check you in at a QR kiosk inside the church.

• Show your app with valid certificate as you enter the building, or bring a printed copy of your vaccination certificate with you.
  

• Children will also need to be 'checked-in' at this time with the QR code (please use the parent's contact mobile number).
  

• We recommend downloading the free 'Service Victoria's mobile app’ from Apple or Google Play app stores prior to Sunday to assist with a speedy check-in.
  

• Click on the link here for more information on the Victorian Government QR system or click here for information on how to 'check-in' with the Service Victoria app.
  

COVID-Safe Sunday Services

• Do not attend if you have symptoms.

• Hand sanitiser available.

• Please carry a mask at all times and remember to keep a safe distance at morning tea.

• Our advice/recommendation is to be as socially distanced as practicable (1.5m is a recommendation).