Hello Church,

What a rollercoaster year we’ve had together… again!

I can’t tell you how encouraging it has been to hear so many of the stories of community from around our wonderful church during this time of lockdown. Connect Groups rallying to support individuals and families; people who’ve never set foot in our buildings becoming part of the Grainery through church online; and thousands of meals going out into the community covered by generous donations of others through the River Cafe. Even though we acknowledge the many challenges faced, I praise God for the many blessings we have to celebrate also.

For us as a church, as for countless other churches, businesses and organisations in our community, we have been diligently seeking God and combing through legislation and recommendations to determine for ourselves when would be the right time to take this step.

So now then, perhaps one of the most anticipated blessings of all,
that from December 5 we will once again open the doors to resume in-person worship services together!

And what a time to come back together… Advent. A time when we eagerly await and celebrate the birth of our saviour Jesus Christ, when we as a church rejoice in His coming to earth as a babe – and extend out our arms in generosity and love to our family and community.

Can I encourage you, in the weeks between now and December 5 to continue connecting with members of your Grainery community, as together we prepare to return to church: continuing in our mission of bringing heaven to earth in the Newcastle and Hunter Region.

What a joyous time to reconnect, what a joyous time to come together… and what worship there will be in our church on December 5th!

I hope to see you there.
Blessings,


Grainery activities are already starting up again!

use the links below to see what’s happening at the Grainery between now and December 5

All Activities children & families youth courses & training


FAQs

What date will in-person services begin again?

Services at both the Steel River and Maitland campuses will recommence on December 5.

Steel River Services: 8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm (Grainery International Fellowship) and the new 5:00pm service.

Maitland Service: 10:00am.

To help manage venue capacities, online registrations for in-person services will also resume from this date.

*As at 20 November, 2021.

Which services will restart?

Services at both the Steel River and Maitland campuses will recommence on December 5.

Steel River Services: 8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm (Grainery International Fellowship) and the new 5:00pm service.

Maitland Service: 10:00am.

To help manage venue capacities, online registrations for in-person services will also resume from this date.

Church online will also continue as normal on the grainery.online.church platform and YouTube.

*As at 20 November, 2021.

When will other Grainery ministries (Youth, VIPs etc.) recommence?

Some ministries will recommence using COVID-safe practices during November, and more will recommence in December. Use the links on this page to see what activities will be happening in the coming months.

*As at 4 November, 2021.

Do I have to scan the QR code when entering the building, as well as register online?

Yes. The NSW Health QR code is for the purposes of contract tracing, and the online registration helps us continue providing a COVID-19 safe environment by managing our venues capacities (numbers).

*As at 4 November, 2021.

I’m 16 but not double-vaccinated, can I come in?

Yes, after the 80% statewide target was reached all adults and children can attend a place of worship.

*As at 4 November, 2021.

Do I have to wear a mask?

Until December 15, or until the 95% double vaccination target is reached—whichever occurs first—all congregation members 13 and over will be required to wear masks indoors.

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid19-restriction-checker/face-masks/nsw

*As at 4 November, 2021.

Do my kids have to wear a mask?

No children 12 and under are not required to wear masks inside Grainery premises.

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid19-restriction-checker/face-masks/nsw

*As at 4 November, 2021.

I have a medical exemption from wearing a mask, can I enter the building?

Until December 15, or the 95% statewide vaccination target is reached, it is a requirement for all individuals (over the age of 12) attending a Sunday service or ministry activity to wear a mask indoors—unless they have a medical exemption from doing so.

If you have an exemption to wear a mask, proof of the exemption must be provided to enter a Grainery campus before December 15 or the 95% statewide vaccination target is reached.

*As at 4 November, 2021.

Do I have to show a digital Covid vaccination certificate to enter the building?

No, after the 80% target was reached anyone can enter a place of worship (for the purposes of worship). We will not be checking vaccination status on entry.

*As at 4 November, 2021.

Who can I talk to if I have questions or concerns about returning to church?

Any questions relating to COVID-19 safe practice of activities of the Grainery Church can be emailed through to office@grainery.org.au

*As at 4 November, 2021.

This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.

John 3:16 MSG