Continuing the Port's Road to Recovery series, this week the Examiner looks at how COVID-19 has impacted churches in Port Stephens. The Port's Road to Recovery series aims to paint a picture of individual industries and social issues, how they have been impacted and what the future looks like for them - as told by those on the ground.
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As difficult as the coronavirus pandemic has been on populations worldwide, it has shone a light on the things that really matter and, in the eyes of Nelson Bay Baptist Church Pastor Andrew East, awoken people to the human and spiritual aspects of life.
"I see the challenges presented during this period [COVID-19] as a reminder to the reality that we live in an uncertain world which we cannot fully control," Pastor East said.
"In our world of business, technology and toys we can create a bubble where we believe that we are immortal, in full control and don't need God.
"COVID-19 strongly reminds us that this is not the case and that the pursuit of wealth, health and pleasure do not bring true hope or meaning in life. This can only be found in love for God and love of others."
Pastor East said that keeping people, particularly the elderly, connected after restrictions had been imposed was one of the first tasks undertaken by his church community.
"Our solution was to establish 'circles of care', where group members would take on the responsibility of caring for those in need," he said.
"Another significant challenge was not being able to meet face to face, so we found new and innovative ways including taking our service online and having smaller groups connected through video conferencing platforms such as Zoom."
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Pastor East said that parishioners had become very understanding, supportive and flexible during the crisis.
"Many people have enjoyed the online services and digital interactions. It has been encouraging to see people really step up and care for neighbours and friends in new ways," he said.
"Many people had not used a webcam before but are now experts. We are particularly missing the ability to sing together, but understand the need for this restriction and it has not stopped us from remaining connected."
The Baptist minister said that the Nelson Bay church currently had 30 per cent of its congregation attending weekly worship services.
"I anticipate that we will build on those numbers as restrictions are lifted," he said. "Going forward we are using a 2:1 format for our services: every two weeks on Sunday we hold a standard service at 9:30am and once every three weeks at 9:30am we hold a special service for families and children.
"We have also implemented new distancing and hygiene rules to create a safe space to gather. In the meantime, however we will continue to live stream from our church web page, so if you have ever wondered what church looks or feels like, tune in by going to lighthousebaptistnelsonbay.org."
ABOUT THE SERIES: Mapping the Port's Road to Recovery
