At ICC we aim to provide a safe environment for all who attend our services and programs through the Safer Churches program. When it comes to the current outbreak of Coronavirus, we believe it is important that we respond practically and wisely to minimise the spread of this disease.

IMPORTANT

New Restrictions: 

  • STAY AT HOME TO STOP THE SPREAD
  • No church or social gatherings of more than 2 people.

We must all support the Government’s measures to help stop the spread of Coronavirus. This is how we are showing the community that the Church cares for the vulnerable and those at risk.

  • This means there will be NO physical connect groups nor gatherings in homes.   DO NOT meet or socialise in each others homes! Stay in your own home.

The Church building is closed, but the church is the body of Christ and we are now gathering online using zoom and live streaming (Zoom Prayer: iccbrisbane.org/zoom & Live streaming iccbrisbane.org/live) . 

WE URGE EVERYONE IN ICC, including the young and old, please be absolutely diligent to:

  • STAY AT HOME (work from home if possible)
  • keep social distancing (at least 2 meters apart) if you are leaving the house for anything (work, shopping, education or medical services etc).
  • Remember to regularly wash your hands with soap and water.

This is a critical time for our nation and other nations in the world as the spread of the virus is growing exponentially.

‘For God so loved the world He gave his only Son, so that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life!’ (John 3:16).

25/03/2020 1:40pm

Clear new restrictions – STAY AT HOME TO STOP THE SPREAD

It is very clear that churches cannot physically meet at all.  We must all support the Government’s measures to help stop the spread of Coronavirus. This is how we are showing the community that the Church cares for the vulnerable and those at risk.

This means there will be NO physical connect groups nor gatherings in homes.   DO NOT meet or socialise in each others homes! Stay in your own home.

The Church building is closed, but the church is the body of Christ and we are now gathering online using zoom and live streaming (Zoom Prayer: iccbrisbane.org/zoom & Live streaming iccbrisbane.org/live) . 

WE URGE EVERYONE IN ICC, including the young and old, please be absolutely diligent to STAY AT HOME (work from home if possible) and keep social distancing (at least 2 meters apart) if you are leaving the house for anything (work, shopping etc).  Remember to regularly wash your hands with soap and water.

This is a critical time for our nation and other nations in the world as the spread of the virus is growing exponentially.

‘For God so loved the world He gave his only Son, so that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life!’ (John 3:16).

Update 19/03 5pm

With regard to new restrictions on gatherings of more than 100 people, ICC, along with the Australian Christian Churches supports all the Government’s measures for the health and safety of people in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic.

We are committed to being diligent to help stop the spread of Coronavirus, particularly for the sake of those who are vulnerable and at high risk.

Due to the ban, the ICC Vision team hs chosen to take a conservative precautions due to the importance of lowering the risk of the spread of infection which can be asymptomatic.

  1.  As a result, we are encouraging everyone to LIVE STREAM the 9am and 5pm services from homes all over the city.  We are encouraging connect group members to meet in certain homes throughout the city this Sunday morning 22/03/2020 until further notice.
  2.  The live stream link is iccbrisbane.org/live
  3. We encourage everyone to use online giving facilities. https://iccbrisbane.org/giving/
  4.  In view of the current situation we have asked certain people in our team to work from home.  Any calls to the church office number for ICC enquiries may be diverted to either our pastoral or executive assistant. Please be patient if you do not manage to call through the first time.
  5. ICC is committed to assisting those facing great need in our community who require support and assistance at this time. If you need prayer or assistance during this time, or if you know of someone in our church requiring help (basic food or extremem hardship), please inform your connect pastor or if it’s urgent contact ps olivia (olivia@iccbrisbane.org) or Ps Faith (faith@iccbrisbane.org).

We thank you for your understanding during the rapidly changing time.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRACTISE ALL THE HEALTH MEASURES BELOW:

  • You are now required by the Australian Government to self isolate & quarantine at home for 14 days if you:
    * Have arrived to Australia from anywhere overseas in the last 14 days;
    * Have been in close contact with a proven case of COVID-19;
    * Have been tested positive for COVID-19.

HOW YOU CAN STAY SAFE

  • Good hygiene is the best defence against infection. This includes:

– Regularly washing your hands with soap and water;
– Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze;
– Avoiding close contact by practising social distancing of 1.5m (3 seats)
– If you or your child or anyone in your household is feeling unwell, please stay home and seek medical attention;
– We have SUSPENDED (STOPPED) all handshakes & hugging (kisses etc) in any gatherings, including connect groups. A simple smile or wave can be as welcoming as a handshake or hug at this time.

  • If you are feeling unwell or showing symptoms:
  • The Dept of Health has released a fact sheet Information for Parents. If your child is unwell, or anyone in your household is unwell, please stay at home and do not attend church.
  • If you experience any respiratory-related symptoms or a fever (including but not limited to temperature, cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, a sore throat, or a runny nose), please consult your doctor and stay at home and rest (for a period of 14 days).
  • If you have reason to believe you may have Coronavirus, it is important that you seek medical attention early. Make sure you call ahead so that your doctor’s surgery can be prepared. National Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080
  • If you are unwell and serve on our Church team, please let your Team Leader know ASAP, so we can organise alternative arrangements and so we can pray and care for you (we don’t want you to feel isolated).
  • Remember all our services available via livestream and also, weekly video recordings of our sermons are available on the church website.

We will continue to advise you of any further updates. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your connect pastor or Ps Olivia (olivia@icfbrisbane.org).

 

17/03/2020 (3 am)

This is a rapidly changing environment and the global spread of COVID-19 requires us to address the issue clearly and wisely.

ICC is first and foremost a multicultural house of prayer for all nations, and as such we continue to encourage everyone to:

  1. be PRACTICAL (practise regular hand washing with soap & water, to not greet one another by shaking hands, hugging or kissing, do not touch your face with your hands – see below ‘how to hand wash’),
  2. PRAY Psalm 91 in faith (move from fear to faith by not focusing on what we see in the natural, but to stand on God’s promises – He is our protector & healer). God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love and sound mind.  Let’s continue to join in prayer this week as we fast and prayer on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18th to break the spirit of fear and to the end of this virus; and
  3.  PROCLAIM the Good news of Jesus Christ to people around us. The enemy wants to use ‘NOSOphobia’ (the fear of disease) to prevent and hinder the coming revival that will see God’s kingdom break out in power on the earth through us. Jesus has given us authority to heal every disease and sickness and scripture tells us that ‘the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it‘ – and as such, we must rise up in faith and take authority to declare and decree that this disease CEASE all over the world!  Like the Apostle Paul who was shipwrecked on the island of Malta and was was bitten by a deadly viper,  everyone exclaimed that he was going to die. Yet, he shook off the snake and did not die. Likewise, today in the media we hear the death threats of this virus, yet we must continue to rise up and stand firm on God’s promises of covering and protection. God wants to use us for this imminent revival at this tipping point.

We also want to be proactive in joining the community responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID19. This will involve us doing what is required by the Australian government and more. At ICC we are taking a more proactive and conservative approach to this situation.   We want to be a responsible organisation that looks after the welfare of all who come in contact with us (2 Cor. 6:3). Also, as a multicultural church we have members who travel overseas or are in contact with people who have travelled overseas.

So, the following DIRECTIVES are mandatory for attendance at ICC Services and events are:

  • You are required by the Australian Government to self isolate & quarantine at home for 14 days if you:
    * Have arrived to Australia from anywhere overseas in the last 14 days (effective immediately);
    * Have been in close contact with a proven case of COVID-19;
    * Have been tested positive for COVID-19.
  • Also, you must avoid ICC events (including connect groups & services) and stay at home if you or any one in your house –
    * Are feeling unwell or present any cold/flu symptoms (cough, sore throat, fever, aches, runny nose, headaches shortness of breath etc). This includes every child, woman and man.  Do not self diagnose, but call your doctor immediately.
    * If anyone in your home is unwell or has shown any symptoms;
  • THESE GUIDELINES ARE IN FORCE NOW as of 13/03/2020.
  • We understand that this may cause some disruption, but ask for extra understanding during this time as we have events that involve people’s homes, and have an audience of people who are in the high risk category.
  • As mentioned below (13/03/2020 3pm update) we successfully restricted our attendance numbers over 4 services (under 200 people in the 9am service) last sunday (15/3).
  • We will continue to practise & enforce SOCIAL DISTANCING guidelines (ie. avoiding physical contact, no hand skaking etc) at all our gatherings, including smaller connect groups.
  • We encourage you to ACTIVELY ENGAGE with us in worship, prayer, praise and learning God’s word – by streaming ONLINE if you remain at home.
    • Remember if you’re attending a worship service on line:
      • Don’t just listen, SING!
      • Don’t just watch, RESPOND!
      • Don’t just stream, ENTER IN!
      • PRAY, CLAP, LAUGH, worship with others on line.
      • Expect God to move
      • Leave inspired and
      • Be the church as your family for your friends and community.

(Subject to further Aust Government directives) this week & this coming Sunday 22nd March:

  1. CHERISH women’s prayer (17 March, 7pm)
    • will be conducted over 3 locations – Newmarket Auditorium, Southside & Eastside AND livestreamed online on YOUTUBE:  iccbrisbane.org/live  – Ladies please join us live in person or online to worship and pray over this situation – our church families, city and nation.
  2. WEDNESDAY prayer @ICC – to be advised (check whatsapp & email)
  3. Little blessings playgroup (thursday) has been postponed.
  4. Young Adults Connect groups – 7pm Friday night with Guest Speaker Ps Andy Gourlay.
  5. Abide Youth – Saturday 6pm
  6. Sunday Services 9am (special guest the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Adrian Schrinner) & 5pm HMS service. Some connect groups will be streaming in online. (We will be reviewing the ICC Kids program and will advise parents accordingly).
  7. You can choose to stream in all the events and services ONLINE: iccbrisbane.org/live

(Thank you for your understanding and patience. Please continue to pray in faith for wisdom & guidance. And please stay tuned for more updates).

 

15/03/2020 5pm Update: 

2. Churchwide Update at Sunday Service 15th March

This Sunday we will be running services at 9am, 11:30am and 5pm (as well as a special by invitation only 7:45am for certain connect groups). We have extra services in order to restrict the number of people in any given service to under 200.

We will be taking time in our service to detail the many changes that are taking place to our regular programming and events. In addition, I will be addressing our Christian FAITH & VISION in times of uncertainty and fear. If you are able, please do take the time to come along to the service so that we can journey together.

If you are a leader or involved in any of our teams – please contact your ministry leader re: online training and video conferencing through Microsoft teams.

3pm 13/03/2020

Dear ICC Family,

After prayer this morning, I received a clear word to ‘make preparations’ re: the COVID19 situation. I want to encourage everyone that we need to be full of faith and we also want to be wise and prudent.

3 P’s we can apply now –

1) Let’s be PRACTICAL –

  • Continue handwashing with soap & water, don’t touch your face.
  • We will SUSPEND (STOP) all handshakes & hugging (kisses etc) in any gatherings, including connect groups. A simple elbow or foot shake will do, or “hi!” will suffice with a smile.
  • Tea & coffee will be served by our serving team.
  • There will not be any contact with shared spoons or urns. Servers will pour hot water & milk, we have individually-wrapped biscuits available etc.
  • Anyone (children, men & women) with ANY symptoms, please remain at home and watch the service online – iccbrisbane.org/live .  If you are rostered on to serve or have any concerns – please contact and inform your team leader.

2) Let’s be PRAYERFUL & full of faith. Trust in the Lord who is our protector and shield. Declare Psalm 91 over the church & family. Let’s be bold to pray for people. God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear or timidity but of power, love, & a sound mind.

3) Let’s PROCLAIM the Good news of Jesus – this is a wonderful opportunity to tell people about the love and power of Jesus Christ. Let’s pray for friends, neighbours, and family members. Share the good news of salvation & peace in Christ – the forgiveness of sins and eternal life in Christ who is the Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, God with us!

IMPORTANT

Given the latest developments and advice from the Australian Government that all non-essential gatherings over 500 people will be banned across the nation starting Monday (NOTE: schools, colleges & universities will continuing with classes as normal), we are implementing the following this weekend:

Firstly, it is important to understand that our largest Sunday service – the 9am service – averages from 450 to 500 adults & children. So, to ensure a smaller 9am service (with under 200 adults), these measures will take place on Sunday:

  • A) 11:30am the Latino fellowship group will have their own service downstairs (LG) . They will not be attending the 9am service.
  • B) We have arranged for certain connect groups to attend the 5pm service.
  • C) We have also asked certain select connect groups to attend a 7:45am acoustic style service this Sunday. This is only open to the connect groups who have been invited as there is limited space.
  • D) The 9am service  will continue as planned, however, we have cancelled the parents brunch after the 9am service (contact Ps Alf for further updates).
  • AGAIN, we will be live streaming the 9am & 5pm services. (We note that there are already a number of people who have been live streaming into the services and have been blessed. Approximately 50 people were online last weekend).
  • Given the above measures, there will be no more than 200 adults in any service.

E) We will reinforce NO hand shaking (or greeting hugs or kisses etc), we will encourage handwashing with soap and the use of our high alcohol content automatic hand sanitizers.   We will also disinfect any potential points of contact. Again anyone (man woman or child) presenting with any symptoms MUST stay at home.

D) We have implemented hygienic tea & coffee procedures – eg individually wrapped biscuits, pre-prepared tea & coffee.

F) The Abide Youth ‘ SHOOK’ night will continue as planned tonight (Friday 13/3). We will be enforcing hand washing with soap as well as the non-contact measures above.  (Note:  The youth group attendance will be under 100 people).

We are also making plans for next weekend and the weeks to come. We are aware that this situation may continue for weeks or even months.  Accordingly, we are looking into de-centralised  services and a greater use of online meetings (i.e the Cherish Women’s prayer meeting next Tuesday night will be a split meeting in several locations & linked up via video).

We will update the church more this Sunday. We thank you for your understanding given this unprecendented situation.

We will also be issuing the SOUTHSIDE SURVEY FOR EVERYONE IN ICC TO FILL OUT.  Please fill this out ASAP. 

Let’s not be alarmed but remain alert and full of FAITH.

Please forward the message to All your connect members.

 

Health Update 7/03/20

Health reminder –

  1. If anyone (child or adult) are at all sick with a cough, cold, runny nose, fever (even mild symptoms) and just returned from overseas they, should not be coming to youth / church services. They should stay home if unwell. Also, home quarantine for people returning from China, Iran, South Korea, Italy.
  2. Remember to practise washing your hands regularly with soap & water. We have installed automatic hand sanitisers.
  3. Also do not feel you have to shake hands. We suggest an alternative elbow bump, the wuhan shake, or fist bump will do.
  4. We will not be passing around the offering bag during the thanksgiving time. Instead, we encourage online giving and the use of new offering boxes situated at the door of the auditorium (should people want to give by cash or envelope for credit). Please feel free to get up during the song or after the service to place your offering in the box.
  5. The services will all be streamed tomorrow – our special guest Ps Christopher Alam will be speaking in all services.

  • Helpful tip – you should wash your hands for as long as it takes to sing ‘happy birthday’ (song) twice.

02/03/2020

  1. If you have recently returned from China or Iran you must quarantine yourself at home for at least 14 days even if you have no signs of sickness.  It may be appropriate to consider self-isolation or practise social distancing upon return from higher risk regions.
  • Frequently Asked Questions Re: Corona Virus Click Here
  • Other countries of concern – Surveillance should be maintained to facilitate COVID-19 testing in symptomatic returned travellers from South Korea, Iran, Japan, Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.
  •  For more information from the Australian Health Protection Committee –  Click Here

4. We encourage anyone at home to watch our live streaming services (Sundays 9am & 5pm) online at www.iccbrisbane.org/live/ –Click Here .

5. We have now placed automatic instant hand sanitisers at the entrances to the building, auditorium, toilets & coffee pot areas.

6. REMINDER:

    1. Any children or persons who are sick with flu-like symptoms (eg. cough, cold, runny nose etc.) or other conditions that may be contagious, we advise that you seek medical attention, avoid crowded places (including church), and rest at home.
  1.  2. Any child running a temperature or exhibiting flu-like symptoms (eg. cough, cold, runny nose etc.) at check-in will not be allowed into classes.

(14/02/2020)

At ICC, the safety and health of our members is a primary concern. We always pray that you will prosper in your spirit, soul and body, and encourage our members to maintain an attitude of faith and not of fear (2 Timothy 1:7 ‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline’).

At the same time, we are putting in place measures and procedures that will help prevent spread of infection in accordance with guidelines from Queensland Health. (https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/doh-media-releases/releases/queensland-coronavirus-update-290120)

In light of the latest developments, we are taking the following precautions.

  1. If you were in, or transited through mainland China on or after the 1st of February, please follow these self-quarantine guidelines by Queensland Health – which means you should quarantine at home for 14 days before joining any public gatherings.
  2. Hand sanitisers are available at building entrances. Regularly washing your hands with soap and water is good practice. Please teach your children to do the same.  Queensland Health’s recommended hygiene practices can be found here, and more advice from the World Health Organization can be accessed here. Some basics include:
    1. washing your hands often with soap and water;
    2. using a tissue and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze;
    3. avoiding close contact with others, such as touching, handshakes, hugging etc.

Even as we exercise wisdom in keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe, we know that divine health and protection is from our Lord Jesus. Let’s continue to partake of the Holy Communion and proclaim His promise of protection in Psalm 91 over ourselves, our families and those affected by this. Let us also pray that the virus will be contained and conquered.

Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling (Psalm 91:9–10)

If you know someone who is in quarantine, encourage them to watch our live streaming services (9am & 5pm) online at www.iccbrisbane.org/live.

 (2 February)
We implemented sanitising and hygiene measures in our building, including the use of hand sanitizers on every floor (wash your hands often with soap and water). If you are displaying any symptoms (i.e. cough, cold, fever, breathing difficulties), please seek immediate medical attention and refrain from attending public gatherings (for further safety measures please read: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/30/how-does-coronavirus-spread-and-how-can-you-protect-yourself).

For those who choose to quarantine themselves, please join our live streaming services (9am & 5pm) online at www.iccbrisbane.org/live.

We have been praying earnestly for the protection and blessing of everyone in ICC and our city. We encourage you to pray for the recovery of those affected by this virus and also declare Psalm 91 over yourselves and family. Jesus declared that in the last days before His return there will be wars, earthquakes, famines and plagues in many lands and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven (Luke 21:10-11). So, we should not be alarmed or surprised, but we should be earnest and disciplined in our prayers (1 Peter 4:7-9). It is certainly an opportunity to show deep love for one another and share the good news of eternal life in Christ.

We realise that this is an evolving situation and we are constantly monitoring the updates from the government outlets and we will endeavour to update you if there are any recommendations that affect us as a church.

If you have concerns or would like to request for prayer, you can contact Ps Olivia or Ps Faith.