Return to face-to-face Sunday Service FAQs

12/11/2020

Covid-19 update

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Thanks be to God, COVID-19 restrictions for churches have been eased further, making it possible for CP10 to resume face-to-face service with some adjustments. We have compiled the information below to help us with the transition – please be assured that while things are different, our vision and mission remain the same: to be God’s people, growing in Christ, reaching out with the gospel until He returns! May we seize every opportunity to encourage each other to know and love Jesus more deeply, using all the gifts and resources God has entrusted to us for the glory of His name!

When does face-to-face service begin?

Sunday, 6 December 2020, 2pm

Where are we meeting?

During the Croydon Park building renovation project, CP10 will be meeting at WSCCC Strathfield, corner of Homebush & Alviston Roads. God willing, this temporary arrangement will continue until June 2021 when the CP10 facilities are expected to be ready for us.

Why are we meeting at WSCCC Strathfield?

During the Croydon Park building renovation project, CP10 has to meet at an alternative venue that meets our ministries’ needs in COVID-safe way. Our leadership team considers a few options and concludes that WSCCC Strathfield is the best option under the circumstances. You might remember that there are many similarities in the design of the WSCCC Croydon Park and Strathfield building facilities. By meeting at WSCCC Strathfield, we can “acclimatise” and be ready to function in the new building when it’s ready in June 2021.

Why are we meeting at 2pm?

There are Sunday morning services (2 Cantonese services, 1 English and 1 Mandarin) and children ministries run out of WSCCC Strathfield location. Our leadership team considered a few alternative timeslots and presented 3 workable options for CP10 to choose from. The result overwhelmingly favours Sunday 2pm – with the largest support and the least objections. This option enables us to welcome up to 170 people, with social distancing – what a great opportunity to bring along our family & friends to church! It also gives us sufficient time for chat & catch up after service. God willing, we will return to 10am service time in June 2021 when we meet at the newly renovated CP10 facilities.

Sunday, 2pm does not work for me (or my family). What are my options?

At this stage, the leadership team is also exploring live-streaming the 2pm CP10 service. Recording of the 2pm CP10 service will be posted on our website for catch-up viewing. If you choose either of these options, we strongly encourage you to invite friends to your home to do church together.

There are also face-to-face services at WSCCC you can explore for the 6-month interim period. You can consider joining Sunday 9am English Service at WSCCC Strathfield, with a (sizable) children ministry running concurrently. You can consider joining Sunday 4:30pm English Service at WSCCC Strathfield, also with a (small) children ministry running concurrently. If you understand Cantonese and/or Mandarin, there are face-to-face services in those languages as well. Please refer to the bulletin for their meeting times.

Will the live Zoom service be available?

Live Zoom Sunday service will cease when face-to-face service commences.

Is it safe to return to face-to-face service?

WSCCC has a COVID-safe plan that has been registered with the NSW Government; and in selecting the interim venue and time for CP10, our leadership placed a high priority on the safety of all attendees to our service. We will observe protocols like registering attendees, temperature checks, hand sanitation, cleaning and seating to maintain social distance. There are some changes everyone needs to observe, such as no singing (yet!), to wear masks (adults only) while on-site, not mingling on the lawn etc. Please familiarise yourself with the COVID-safe plan – by adhering to the rules, we love and protect our brothers and sisters; and the wider community.

Why do we prioritise face-to-face meeting? Zoom service has been working pretty well

We prioritise face-to-face service because it is more conducive to collective worship (unity as one body of Christians, speaking God’s word to each other), enrich church life (better pastoral care and fellowship including ministering to children) and enable outreach through hospitality (a place to invite our friends/families/neighbours to hear God’s word). The reflection of those who have returned to face-to-face service underlines how much their spiritual formation and growth had been adversely affected in the virtual mode. The physical act of gathering together is good in and of itself – a reminder that we are “embodied beings” – mind, body and spirit. The physical aspect of our Christianity matters.

Do I have to pre-register to come to service?

No, you don’t have to pre-register for Sunday services. We have sufficient space to safely accommodate up to 170 people on Sundays, 2pm at WSCCC Strathfield – that’s about 50 people more than our pre-COVID attendance at Croydon Park.

For special services (like Christmas and Easter), we may implement pre-registration to ensure we stay within the safe capacity. This requirement will be communicated at the time special services are announced.

How can I help?

Glad you asked! We need individuals to help us comply with COVID-safe protocols, manage the AV system during service and live stream the service. If you love the Lord and want to serve others by helping with these, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Chadd (chaddhafercp10@gmail.com) or Des (drdeschu@gmail.com) – we’ve scheduled short briefing/training sessions to prepare you for the tasks.