Hokowhitu Baptist Church

Masks at HBC
The leadership team have recently reviewed our current protocol of mask wearing during our services.

We wish to advise that beginning Sunday, 4 September, we are moving to a mask-optional policy at Hokowhitu Baptist Church.

We recognise this may be welcome news for some,  while causing concern for others. From the beginning of this journey our church leadership has carefully considered the recommendations of the Baptist Association and Ministry of Health.  Having reviewed all the latest factors involved we believe the beginning of Spring is an appropriate time to  update our requirements of mask wearing.
HBC will however continue to be a mask-friendly community – a place of hospitality for those still needing or choosing to wear their mask. While masks will no longer be compulsory from 4 September, we recommend that those who are more vulnerable to the effects of cold or flu like diseases continue to wear a mask. And by all means if for any reason you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, we encourage you to do so.
We know there are various perspectives in our community on vaccines and masks.   We are reminded in Ephesians 4:2, as mature Christians to:

“be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

May this humility and patience continue to overflow from us into the wider community as we live as good neighbours, respecting others and other establishments still requiring masks.
While the mask policy has shifted, our commitment to your health and safety remains unchanged. We will:

• maintain a high level of cleaning and sanitation,
• have hand sanitiser readily available (see the new sanitiser station at the entrance – kindly donated by Kha Paw),
• continue to allow plenty of space for social distancing in the auditorium
• maintain good ventilation using the heat pumps and as days warm up, opening doors

 And, as always, if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, please stay home but do remember to join us online. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding over the past 2+ years. This is not over. We must continue to be diligent in our efforts. If cases increase in our community, we may need to reinstate some protocols. But with a high percentage of individuals vaccinated, and with safety protocols are followed, there is hope on the horizon.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact any of us.
 
Pastors
Geoff 021 607 454
Sonja 021 176 6064
Overseers
Ron Cresswell 027 660 9348
Rob Dabb   027 255 3992 

updated 23/08/2022