One of the important aspects of a church’s life is community and relationships. So how are Riccarton churches managing during this time when their people cannot gather?

Leaders of the churches report that their congregations are missing each other, but modern technology is making it easier to keep in touch. In a real way they are not “closed”.

Riccarton Baptist, Riccarton Community Church, St Teresa’s Catholic Church and St Ninian’s Presbyterian all share on Sunday mornings through either Facebook, YouTube or Zoom online video chat.

In addition, Riccarton Community Church runs a kids’ programme on YouTube at 9.30am, while St Ninian’s holds a coffee & muffins meetup on Zoom on Thursday mornings. Commonly also, church elders or members make contact with each other during the week by telephone, email or text. The pastor of Together Korean Fellowship -- a part of Riccarton Baptist -- has been contacting members by phone Kakao Talk, which is similar to Facebook Messenger. He has also been dropping off food to some members' homes, and plans follow-up visits.

All churches will be able to hold normal services when New Zealand moves to Lockdown Level 2, as indoor gatherings of up to 100 people will be permitted.

This will pose a difficulty for St Ninian’s, however. The minister, Rev Dr Barbara Peddie, says they were told two weeks before lockdown that the main church building is not up to earthquake code, and now cannot use it. The church has a lounge and a hall, but Rev Peddie says these are not really suitable for services, and they may have to an alternative meeting place.

To experience one of the church online meetings, visit:
Riccarton Baptist – Facebook, www.facebook.com/riccartonbaptist; YouTube, www.youtube.com/channel/UC6acEkPCH7oXmiYCCWLzq2A
Riccarton Community Church – Facebook, www.facebook.com/Riccarton-Community-Church-904489369605091; YouTube, www.youtube.com/channel/UCTfJmIHUjVjZov0uT6kvoTQ
St Teresa’s Catholic Church – Facebook, www.facebook.com/stteresasriccarton; YouTube (the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch holds a daily mass) www.youtube.com/channel/UcbDyKPjjDeYWfpoz_hSDLfw