About this plan | Current Situation Updates | Overview of Alert Levels | CHURCH ACTIVITIES | Support Information | COVID-19 plan Downloads | Version 4.2 23 Sep 2020 |
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SUPPORT INFORMATION |
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Church Services Online Resources to Sustain Us At All Times Practice Kindness Good hygiene - helping others Food and drink (morning/afternoon tea and kava sessions etc) Contact Tracing and QR Code Poster Face Masks Why wear face masks at Alert Level 1? Liturgical Services Holy Communion Pastoral Services Supervision Pastoral Visits Mental Wellness Support Outreach Sharing the Load Op Shops Volunteers |
Buildings Admin and Ministry teams on site Landlord/Tenant responsibilities In our buildings Sharing buildings with others Cleaning Connexional Uniting Parishes Government Wage Subsidy Extension Scheme Contact Details Insurance Using Office 365 Help Us to Help You |
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Online Resources to Sustain Us Please tell the Connexional Office about any online resources you have available to share across the Connexion. These will be made available from Faith and Order Email your links and/or documents through to info@methodist.org.nz |
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Practice kindness This is a time of stress for all of us and some of us cope better than others. Be kind with your words and actions. Consider what other people are going through too. This resource has some great ideas https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/covid-19/wellbeing-tips/
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Good Hygiene - Helping Others The most important thing those of us who are not infected can do is to reduce the strain on the health system. We can do this two ways: 1. Not getting sick with any other bugs:
[Soap is useful for viruses with a fatty exterior like COVID-19, hand sanitiser is good for other bugs, but needs a very high alcohol content to kill COVID-19] 2. Not transmitting any other bugs we may have:
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Food and drink (morning/afternoon tea and kava sessions etc)
Contact Tracing Fast Contact Tracing is important All of the world needs to be in control of COVID-19 before we will be truly safe. Contact tracing will be New Zealand's key tool to minimise the chances of a second or further wave of COVID-19 sweeping our country. Individuals are responsible for keeping a diary of where they have been, and who they've been with. As a Church we should help by providing NZ COVID Tracer QR code posters at all of our buildings. Must have: NZ Covid Tracer QR Code Poster All our non-residential buildings must have QR Codes available for everyone to use.For one to twenty building locations Click here For more than twenty building locations Click here Important notes
The App is available from the App Store or Google Play Use instructions are available from https://tracing.covid19.govt.nz/ You can register online if you don't have a smartphone https://tracing.covid19.govt.nz/signup For whatever reason you may not want, or may not be able to use the App.
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Face Masks Why wear face masks at Alert Level 1?
Who should wear a Face Mask
Who should not wear a Face Mask
1. Use clean hands 2. Use the ties or ear loops to pull the mask away from your face. i. AVOID TOUCHING your eyes, nose and mouth ii. AVOID TOUCHING the front of the mask 3. Clean re-usable masks in a washing machine with detergent at 60°C. i. ensure mask is fully dry ii. use a dryer or dry it flat to maintain shape iii. if possible, dry in direct sunlight 4. Responsibly dispose of single-use masks in: i. rubbish bin with closed lid ii. sealed bag (and then dispose of the bag) iii. AVOID re-using or disinfecting single-use masks. 5. Clean your hands again! When to change a Face Mask
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• avoid buffet style food-lines • serve food individually • only have one person touching a utensil rather than multiple people • maintain hygiene of hands and utensils • maintain physical distancing How would you see communion happening when physical distancing rules are relaxed and we still want to maintain an ongoing standard of hygiene? What will be a new Communion normal moving forward in times of threats of infections? A Theological Statement Celebrating Holy Communion or the Eucharist has been at the heart of worship for the overwhelming majority of Christian communities. However Christians and members of other faiths hold the insight that our worship forms and rituals are core aspects of celebrating faith and honouring God. Yet God is not honoured by practices that are unjust or diminishing. A practice that risks the health or life of clergy and worshippers is an unethical one. Therefore we should take steps to ensure our experience of celebrating Holy Communion is safer for all of us. Therefore we should ensure:
Prior to distribution the celebrant and those assisting with distribution will wash their hands with soap and water, and then keep their hands cleansed with a sanitiser gel. Often we receive communion in both spiritual and physical closeness. The gathering around to receive the elements is a moment of deep fellowship. However at this time we must continue to practice safe distancing even in receiving Communion. What that looks like will be contingent on the worship space, the numbers of communicants and their mobillity. One option might be to adopt the Presbyterian practice of taking the elements around the church. When we are restricted in celebrating Holy Communion
"Hearing that the St John's Parish Secretary here was seeking some guidance on how the congregation might experience communion, I've put some personal thoughts on the matter to paper and attach a copy for you in the hope that they might be useful. They are intentionally personal, because the practice of Communion would be just functional, if not graced by people's intentions and feelings of anticipation, presence, acceptance and spiritual refreshment. The traditional form of communion isn't, I feel, the only way to experience the fulfilment of the Last Supper ritual. Feel free to share these or put them aside as signs of dotage, as you wish, Blessings both, Alan Upson"
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Supervision It is important that Supervision be maintained during this time. This period of lockdown is not a holiday. It may be the most important opportunity we have to share caring pastoral ministry. We can only do this if we look after ourselves. We are aware that some Presbyters have compromised immune systems. Please take special care of yourselves and as a team of leaders across the church, try and share the load. |
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Pastoral visits Phone first if possible
Food and drink
Play it safe
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Mental Wellness Support For many of us the changes inflicted on us can feel overwhelming. Help is always available. Please reach out if you need to talk. Everyone needs support at times and we want to encourage you to reach out and ask for help when it's needed. If you are struggling you can talk to your Presbyter or to one of the caring agencies listed below. Presbyters and Deacons you are not immune to stress. If you are in a Stationed appointment you can access EAP, details below. Another good start-point is your GP. GPs are trained to assess, treat, and manage many mental health challenges. However, there are a range of other services available spanning phone, online and face to face support. Most of these services are free and provide information and confidential advice from trained professionals. Not All Right? - 1737 – free call or text any time, 24 hours a day Healthline - 0800 611 116 Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or free text 4357 (HELP) Samaritans - 0800 726 666 Alcohol Drug Helpline - 0800 787 797 Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) Mental Health Foundation https://www.allright.org.nz/ The Fono (Auckland based) https://thefono.org/social/social-services/ Vaka Tautua https://vakatautua.co.nz/services Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz What's Up: Online chat (1pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 Helpline (12pm-11pm weekdays, 3pm-11pm weekends) Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (4pm-9pm weekdays) Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155 https://www.ry.org.nz If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111. Ola Lelei helpline Talk to a trained Pacific mental health or social worker about any worries, issues or concerns they may have due to COVID-19 (coronavirus). If they aren't able deliver a specific service, then they are able to refer the callers, with caller consent, to one of their many partner organisations. This is the first known service of its kind for Pacific peoples in New Zealand. It is supported by funding from the Ministries of Health and Social Development. Mentemia app
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Sharing the load It is possible that some of our parishes or families may be significantly affected. Please advise your Synod Superintendent or the General Secretary if this is the case. |
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Op Shops People in the shop – 2 metre spacing
Hygiene and sanitisation
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VolunteersOur volunteers are often the backbone of our outreach endeavours. They often build a routine around the work they do with the church and COVID-19 interruptions strain that routine. Help our volunteers through this time: • Keep in regular contact with your volunteer team • Plan for any work that can be done at home • Ensure there are available for work to be done at home. |
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Admin and ministry teams on site Ensure the team has an opportunity to discuss and agree how operating the office will work, based on being sensible and setting a good example. Play it Safe Protocols are available under the Downloads page. Edit the protocols to suit your building and your team. There is an additional Play it Safe poster also available to edit. |
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Landlord/Tenant responsibilities
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In our buildings If our region is in a higher alert level, we need to think about how we maintain physical distancing.
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Sharing Buildings with Others Keeping each other safe• Have a conversation to discuss how each group will keep you and other groups safe • Inform them how you will keep them safe – refer to the "Building use" item above • Keep distance between groups • Ensure groups stay within their designated time frames to avoid overlaps • Shorten each groups time frames to avoid overlaps Facilities – cleaning and hygiene • A cleaning regime will have to be used to ensure facilities and building cleaning occurs between groups • Stay at home if you are unwell • Stay at home if you are at high risk of severe illness Cleaning The virus on surfaces "COVID-19 can remain on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to about 3 days and less than that for other types of surfaces. This will depend on the surface." "If surfaces look visibly dirty, they should be cleaned first. Best to use a detergent which will have the added bonus of likely deactivating coronaviruses as they are enveloped viruses. If you are using a disinfectant make sure it says it is antiviral and follow the instructions. Often, we just end up using a cloth to wipe the microbes around rather than actually letting them sit and stew in the disinfectant first so that it can do its job. Surfaces will need about 10 seconds soaking with the disinfectant for it to work." 1. Leave surfaces alone for 3 days or more 2. Disinfect the surfaces/objects before and after they are touched 3. Avoid/bypass the surfaces/objects entirely 4. Disinfect the hands before and after they touch the surfaces/objects 5. Minimise the number of people who have to touch the surface/object Apply the options to your building and activity. 6. Inform people of the upgraded procedures. Ensuring dishes are sterilised is easy with a dishwasher or steriliser unit. The following link has useful information in it regarding steps to take if handwashing is your only option. https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/how-to-disinfect-dirty-dishes The key ones:
Cleaning between groups and building uses
Additional cleaning products may have to be provided for cleaning, although some groups may also be obliged to provide sanitisation and cleaning products for their own people. |
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Uniting Parishes All participating partners care for the wellbeing of their people. Please take the steps you feel most comfortable with to ensure your wellbeing. The Methodist Church of New Zealand welcomes you to share your stories of this journey so we may all learn. Government Wage Subsidy Extension Scheme Wage Subsidy Extension Scheme (shared by email 18 June 2020) The Wage Subsidy Extension Scheme that the Government has announced follows on from the initial wage subsidy scheme. It is similar to the first wage subsidy scheme but has a different way of measuring a decline in revenue. A Wage Subsidy Extension payment is available to support employers who are still significantly impacted by COVID-19. All Parishes/Synods who use the Connexional Payroll System have received an email as an "employer" for the purposes of the wage subsidy extension scheme. You can apply for the Wage Subsidy Extension for your employee, even if you haven't applied for the Wage Subsidy for them before. The wage subsidy extension applies to registered charities and non-government organisations, so parishes/synods can apply. Minimum Decline in Revenue Your parish/synod/other entity must have experienced a minimum 40% decline in revenue for a continuous 30 day period. This period needs to be in the 40 days before you apply (but no earlier than 10 May 2020) and must be compared to the closest period last year. The decline must also be related to COVID-19. For example, if we make an application on behalf of the ABC parish on Friday 26 June, the 40% decline in revenue must be in the continuous period between 16 May and 25 June 2020. Note: The 30 day period cannot include dates prior to 10 May. The 40 day "window" is to give you enough time to calculate your revenue loss and engage with your employees before applying for the subsidy. Definition of revenue Revenue means the total amount of money a business has earned from its normal activities, before expenses are deducted. So, exclude any of the wage subsidy amounts you received in the 30 day period. Exclude "one off" type grants from Church Building and Loan Fund as these are NOT normal activities of the parish. Determining a decline in revenue This is where it gets a bit complicated. To determine a decline in revenue, you must compare a 30 day continuous period in the 40 days before you apply (but no earlier than 10 May 2020) against the closest period last year. For example, if you apply on Friday 26 June 2020, the 40 days commence on 16 May. You need compare a continuous 30 day period during those 40 days. (e.g. 20 May to 19 June) The revenue in the affected period must be at least 40% less than it was for the same dates in 2019. As part of the wage subsidy extension scheme, you must also think about how you can mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19. This could include: • drawing from your cash reserves activating your business continuity plan • proactively engaging with your bank and the Church • seeking advice and support from: - the Chamber of Commerce - a relevant industry association - the Regional Business Partner programme. • If you do wish to apply for the wage subsidy extension, then you MUST retain the employees for the whole period of the subsidy scheme. Payment Rates The payment rates are the same as the first wage subsidy scheme, $585.80 for people working 20 hours or more per week (full-time rate) and $350.00 for people working less than 20 hours per week (part-time rate). Duration of Scheme The payments under this scheme apply for a maximum of 8 weeks, that is $585.80 x 8 weeks = $4,686.40 (full timer) or $350.00 x 8 weeks =$2,800.00 per a part timer) Application Closing Date The wage subsidy extension scheme closes on 1 September 2020 so applications need to be completed and submitted by that date. Assistance – If Required If you need assistance with the calculations or application process then please let the Connexional Office know. It is unlikely that we will make a bulk allocation for everyone as we did for the first wage subsidy scheme so please ask if you are unable to work your way through this process and believe you are likely to meet the rules around this scheme. Peter van Hout Financial Services Manager Board of Administration of the Methodist Church of New Zealand |
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Contact Details Connexional Office The Board of Administration will continue to offer services during the lock down. You may contact staff by email or telephone. Staff phones will have an automatic redirect to their working at home number. To contact staff phone 0800 266 639 and follow the auto prompts. Contact details are available here. Other Church Roles
Insurance Business Interruption There is no cover for Business Interruption for the Covid-19 as there is an infection disease exclusion under the policy. This exclusion is common and standard across property policies in New Zealand. Extract from the policy for your reference: INFECTIOUS DISEASE This policy does not insure loss, damage, interruption or inference animal or human disease and/or any pest management plan under the Biosecurity Act 1993 or any subsequent amending legislation or replacement Act. Travel Insurance There is only medical and emergency medical transportion cover during a pandemic. Further information is available here. The NZ Government currently advises that all New Zealanders avoid overseas travel at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, associated health risks and widespread travel restrictions. Contact your travel agent for advice on cancellation fees if travelling during this time. See MFAT Safe Travel for further information. Please address any further insurance queries to Wendy Anderson wendya@methodist.org.nz Using Office 365 Microsoft provides the Church with free access to its cloud based Office solution, Office 365. It is available to all Parishes and Synods but accounts need to be set up by the IT personnel at the Connexional Office. With Office 365, members of the Church or employees of the Church are able to use the web based applications of Outlook, Work, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. to continue with their work. Multiple users can log onto Office 365 and share the same documents stored on OneDrive.
Further technology options (Xero, internet banking) from the Connexional Office are available by clicking here If this is of interest please contact either:
Help us help you Current communication efforts are based on current government media releases, personal knowledge and best efforts. Tell us your concerns, give us your queries. Let us build a communication network that targets what matters to you. email: trudyd@methodist.org.nz facebook: Methodist Church of New Zealand Te Hahi Weteriana o Aotearoa text: 027 457 4196 |
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