Please download here a pdf message from the Moderator Right Rev Fakaofo Kaio regarding the Covid-19 Delta variant in our community.
See the Alert Level 4 laws and rules that aim to keep us safe here and in many languages here.
A plain text version of the Moderator's message is below.
Greetings in the precious name of Jesus Christ our Lord and our saviour.
Once more we find ourselves facing the storm of Covid-19 only this time we are shaken further by the Delta variant that is far more transmissible than any before.
Please do not feel helpless in the face of this immense problem and the trouble it brings to us individually, as a Church, community and country. Lean on your faith and each other. Together we will overcome.
“I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction.” Psalm 31:7.
Take care of yourself and your family. We need more than ever to stay in our bubbles and follow the requirements to stay home if we are not essential workers. To our wonderful essential workers we say thank you for the risk you take in service to us all.
Daily at 1pm we have heard sad news of an increasing number who have the Delta variant, and of thousands of close contacts waiting anxiously to see if they have the virus. Join me in keeping all those affected, and their worried family and friends, in our prayers. Let us not downplay the seriousness, this variant can and does kill, but we can be hopeful and trust that in the coming weeks it will be contained.
In these distressing times there are things we can do to lighten the load. If your church has suspended Sunday service due to lockdown and has not gone online, please consider how you can reach out to your congregation safely and bring them comfort that they are known by God and always connected with their church community.
“Keep going, do not be tired of doing good.” 1 Peter 3:13.
We know that some supermarkets are overwhelmed and that some people cannot access groceries, medicine or get to doctor appointments. Can I ask you to please do what many of you are already – reach out to your congregations and your communities by phone, text, email, social media and make sure everyone can get what they need. Do not put yourself at risk or break lockdown rules but help put people in touch with those who can assist in your community. Let people know that although they are isolated for a time they are not alone, never alone. You are thinking of them, we are all praying for them.
Jesus said, “I will be with you always, even to the end of the age”. Matthew 28:20.
For those of us in Auckland, we know we may face more lockdown in the weeks ahead. It may be hard emotionally and financially. Be strong, we will help protect the country by our sacrifice. We will come through this together as a community. Remember that you are seen by God, you are appreciated, valued and loved. Take refuge in God.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13.
Blessings
Fakaofo
Right Rev Fakaofo Kaio
Moderator
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
E moderator@presbyterian.org.nz