The Bishops have advised that as of Monday, 23 March 2020, there will be no public worship services at Anglican Churches in New Zealand until further notice.

The Prime Minister has advised that we are on a Level 2 pandemic alert. That means, in particular, that people over 70 years of age or at high risk should stay at home. Indoors meetings of more than 100 people should not take place.

Our services at 8am and 10am on Sunday, 22 March 2020, will still take place, though in changed form. People over 70 years old or in a particular risk group threatened by the virus should stay at home. Those who are rostered for some task in the church service similarly should stay at home if they fall in that range. However, everyone can make their own decision and no-one will be turned away. Where two or three are gathered in my name there I will be in the midst of them.

The sermon will be recorded and, as usual, will be available on the website.

An event on Archaeology in Israel is scheduled for 4pm on Sunday, 22 March 2020. The vicar will still be there and give some talk about archaeology in Israel for those who turn up, but the intended presentation might be given at a later date.

From Monday, 23 March 2020, we will endeavour to keep the church open for personal prayer from 10 am to 2 pm Sunday – Friday. This will depend on further government and diocesan instructions and the availability of volunteers to watch the church in those times. The church will be heated when it is open. Please keep an eye out for further announcements.

Note: Due to government and diocesan instructions, we can no longer keep the church open. It is closed until further notice.

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.