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LCAQD Coronavirus Response
As we continue in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to serve the people in our care, the communities and agencies of the Lutheran Church of Australia, Queensland District share these resources to help guide our response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
In all our undertakings as people of God we hold fast to the promise that our Lord Christ Jesus dwells amongst us, providing for us and leading us. He is "Immanuel: God with us" therefore, we call upon him as people of hope, in prayer, praise and thanksgiving, trusting in his mercy and in his steadfast love.
We pray, "Kyrie eleison. Lord have mercy."
This is a clarification that the current advice for the 11 SEQ Local Government areas (see links below) has no end date and therefore the mask-wearing requirement for places of worship in South East Queensland continues in place until further notice. (South East Queensland continues to be considered an impacted area.)
Further details
Stage 3 restrictions
Mask wearing requirements
Link to Roadmap
Movement and Gathering Direction
Summary of current directions in relation to places of worship in South East Queensland
- Mask wearing as above for the 11 LGAs
- up to 200 people or 1 person per 2 square metres or 100 per cent capacity with ticketed and allocated seating.
- Indoor wedding ceremonies must have a COVID Safe Checklist in place and collect contact details via the Check in Qld app. Outdoor ceremonies have no restrictions and do not have to collect contact details
- Food and drink may be served at church gatherings. Buffets, self-service food and share plates are permitted. People do not have to be seated when eating and drinking.
- Face masks are only required outdoors if physical distancing is not possible.
For all areas of Queensland
The COVID Safe Checklist focuses on:
- Contact tracing - using the Check In Qld App
- Occupancy density and physical distancing
- Enhanced Cleaning
- Heath and Hygiene
- Directions regarding COVID-19 symptoms and feeling unwell
No Changes in Practice to Holy Communion
Current advice remains that the Common Cup not be used for distribution.
Bread and wine should be distributed whilst wearing masks. Even where wearing of masks is not compulsory, it is best practice.
This is for two main reasons…
- COVID is easily transmitted through aerosol spray (ie., through speaking, and breathing over people – particularly in close proximity), and it is not feasible to distribute Holy Communion while maintaining physical distancing.
- We express our love for God by protecting vulnerable people in our communities.
Individual cups must also continue to be used, with appropriate physical distancing where possible.
The Health Department has issued updated advice for Places of Worship to allow one person per 2 square metres indoors throughout Queensland, but with mask wearing still required until September 10 for the 11 SEQ Local Government areas.
You do not need to wear a mask outdoors if you can remain 1.5 metres away from others or if you are just with members of your household.
Further details: stage 3 restrictions throughout Queensland, with mask-wearing required for 11 South East Queensland LGAs
From 4:00pm Friday, 27 August 2021, the affected 11 Local Government Areas in South East Queensland (Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Logan, Redland, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim) will ease into stage 3 restrictions to join the rest of Queensland with the exception of mask wearing. Mask wearing requirements will continue to apply until 4:00pm Friday, 10 September 2021.
From 4:00pm Friday, 27 August 2021, restrictions for the South East Queensland Local Government Areas and the rest of Queensland will include:
• up to 100 people in your home, including people who live there
• up to 200 people or 1 person per 2 square metres or 100 per cent capacity with ticketed and allocated seating. Indoor wedding ceremonies must have a COVID Safe Checklist in place and collect contact details via the Check in Qld app. Outdoor ceremonies have no restrictions and do not have to collect contact details
• there are no density restrictions for businesses that operate only outdoors. All indoor settings can have up to one person per two square metres or 100 per cent capacity with seated, ticket allocations including stadiums.
Link to Roadmap
Movement and Gathering Direction
No change regarding distribution of Holy Communion
Regarding the distribution of Holy Communion, the wearing of masks is not mandatory. However, it is highly advisable as it is best practice. This is for two main reasons…
- COVID is easily transmitted through aerosol spray (ie., through speaking, and breathing over people – particularly in close proximity), and it is not feasible to distribute Holy Communion while maintaining physical distancing.
- We express our love for God by protecting vulnerable people in our communities.
Individual cups must also continue to be used, with appropriate physical distancing where possible.
- Church at Home Resources
- Small Group Resources
- Online Sermons/Worship Links
- Models of Faith and Connection Examples
