St Jude's Bowral has re-opened its doors to the public.
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With a COVID safe plan in hand, the church is able to hold physical gatherings.
Senior Minister Rev Gavin Perkins said the main restrictions were the four metre square per person space requirement and the 1.5 metre distance between anyone from different households.
"The effect of this is that our traditional building that normally could comfortably seat 180 is now full at 60, and our new building that seats 230 is now full at 75," he said.
"We have people registering all contact details as people enter, temperatures are taken, and people are guided to a pew or seat at an appropriate distance from others.
"In accordance with government guidelines, there is no congregational singing."
Mr Perkins also said a team of volunteers thoroughly clean the buildings and church after each service with hospital grade spray and wipes.
"This is quite a burden on our volunteers, but vital if we are to meet together safely," he said.
Two new services have been added in light of the restrictions.
A 5 pm Saturday service in the new building and a 4 pm Sunday service in the traditional building.
"We now have six congregations on a weekend," Mr Perkins said.
"The only congregation that people need to book a spot at is the 9:30 am family congregation.
"Over the last couple of weeks our total weekend attendance is about 60% of our pre-COVID attendance."
St Jude's has continued to produce an online service each week.
"There are at least 100 regular members of the church who for a range of reasons are not willing or able to come to physical gatherings," Mr Perkins said.
"I consider that group to be our seventh congregation and we seek to care for them pastorally as such.
"There are also another 100 or so people who tune in to the online service week from other areas, as far as field as Queensland."
The children's ministries will be held at the 5 pm Saturday service and the 9:30 am Sunday service.
"Once again all are registered, the 4m2 rules are in force, and social distance between children and leaders is enforced," Mr Perkins said.
"The children's ministries are operating at about 2/3 of their pre-COVID numbers.
"Our Friday night youth ministry restarted under the same guidelines.
"In accordance with the Premier's encouragement last Sunday, we have encouraged all our church members to wear masks at church this coming weekend."
Services for St Jude's are held on Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am, 4 pm and 5:30 pm. Access to the online service can be found on the website.
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Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
