Churches, now with strict guidelines to follow, have to come up with other ways of making sure the spiritual needs of their congregations are being met.

Many churches have adapted to these changing times by making their regular services online.

Milton Ulladulla Baptist Church

Milton Ulladulla Baptist Church's senior pastor Doug Knight suggests if someone wants to connect with their church a simple Google search would assist them.

The search would provide them with all the latest news in regards to services and support being conducted by their chosen religious group.

Pastor Knight said they were pre-recording their services and putting them on the church's website (www.mubc.org.au/) and on church's Facebook page.

People who cannot access the online service will get a DVD of the service to watch.

Pastor Knight says as people are in shock and feeling like they are pulled apart it's important for them to know they are part of a wider family.

Ulladulla and Milton Anglican Churches

In the light of changing circumstances, following the suspension of all services due to COVID-19, the Ulladulla and Milton Anglican Churches made their church services available online.

The church on its website, (www.ulladulla-anglican.org/) has a YouTube link so people can gain access to their online church services with a click of a button.

They started with a traditional service and most recently posted a traditional and family service.

The Ulladulla/Milton Anglican Church community, to make sure all the needs of the community are met, have extended its pastoral care program, meaning they call more members of their congregation to see how they are going.

Newsletters, so people can stay informed, are also printed out and left at the churches.

Milton Ulladulla Uniting Church

Support still flows from the Milton Ulladulla Uniting Church congregation with Rev Simaima leading the way.

The church has not had an official gathering for the past two Sundays and Rev Simaima has been emailing out her sermons.

For people who don't have email, the sermon is mailed to them or delivered.

Rev Simaima, before the restrictions were tightened, visited people at the homes.

She was not going inside but standing outside and making sure they were okay.

The Reverend said people were still in good spirits and were happy.

Rev Simaima is also a phone call away and is still in the office Tuesday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Facebook is another way the Uniting Church congregation interacts and Rev Simaima said she will create ways for people to celebrate Easter.

She will have a cross set up outside the church to allow people, one by one, the chance carrying out some reflection.

Sadly the church's recently revamped Outreach Centre has closed.

Rev Simaima said the closure was to make sure their volunteers stayed safe.

The Milton Ulladulla Uniting Church was also giving people hurt by the bushfires and floods gift vouchers which Rev Simaima is keen to extend.

This could be assisting people who have recently lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

"We want to open it up to others who may need help," Rev Simaima said.

Milton Parrish of the Diocese of Wollongong

The Milton Parrish of the Diocese of Wollongong have many ways to celebrate and connect with each other.

The Milton Parish is offering a Zoom (online video conference) Interactive Liturgy of the Word in which parishioners can participate by listening to and breaking open/sharing ideas about the Sunday Scriptures.

"They also pray together for the needs of our world and share news and views," Father Michael Dyer said.

The Diocese of Wollongong is broadcasting weekday and Sunday masses at which Bishop Brian Mascord presides.

Parishioners can go to www.dow.org.au/ to subscribe.

With Easter approaching interactive Zoom video conferences are being launched by the Milton Parish to enable parishioners to participate in elements of the Holy Week Ceremonies, while Bishop Brian is also live stream the Holy Week services.

Milton parishioners have also established an additional midweek Parish Bulletin and are organising phone hubs for people to maintain contact.

The parish is also Zooming with the NSW Mental Health Team each Friday from 9.30 am - 10.30 am.

Various topics will be explored.

"This week we are sharing 'positives' - what are we learning from the current crisis and how are we benefiting? Anyone of any faith, or no faith at all, is welcome to participate in this weekly encounter," Father Michael said.

There is also another Zoom session at 10 am on Tuesdays during which participants share how they are and spend a little time together in prayer.

Meanwhile, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is being offered only to people who feel urgent for this sacrament.

Conferral of this Sacrament is by appointment and strict social distancing protocols apply.

"This is viewed as an essential pastoral outreach opportunity for people in need," Father Michael said.

"If Government and Diocesan regulations require, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be suspended altogether.

"Currently, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum (Holy Communion) is available only for those who are seriously ill."

Father Michael hopes people remain safe.

"I encourage people to remain calm, to trust in each other, their civic, medical and church leaders, and to follow directives," he said.

"Furthermore, I urge people to stay strong in their faith and to trust in God who continues to work creatively in and through scientists and others striving globally to find a cure for the COVID-19 pandemic.

"God also cares for us through our health and emergency services personnel, our politicians and community leaders, our family and friends.

"Let us ensure we love one another in concrete ways and share the common wealth of Australia for the common good.

"Let us not be fearful, for fear cripples us and leads to poor behaviour - let our light shine by living into The Great Commandment: Love God and Love One Another."

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