**St Andrew’s worship services suspended as of 22 March, 2020**

Worship services at St Andrews Uniting church have been suspended from 22 March, 2020 due to the coronavirus COVID-19 situation. The suspension of services will be in place at least until the end of April 2020.
Rev Graeme Kerr has very kindly offered to prepare a weekly homily that will be available on this website as well as distributed to congregation members via email, post or hand delivery as required. Congregation members will also keep touch with each other via phone.
If you wish to be included in receiving this homily or other support from the St Andrew's Box Hill congregation then please email your details to standrewsboxhill@gmail.com or telephone (03) 9890 1515 (you may leave a message if unattended).

For more information on the Uniting Church's response to COVID-19 see

The following prayer has been shared by Dr Palmer at the link above:

A PRAYER FOR COMPASSION, WISDOM AND STRENGTH

Loving and compassionate God,

You call us to love our neighbours and to be bearers of your hope and grace in our world.

Expand our hearts and vision to respond with compassion to those around us, who are struggling in this time of uncertainty, anxiety, grief and suffering.

Give wisdom and strength to our health workers, and government officials, as they provide leadership in bringing our country through this crisis.

We bring before you and into our hearts and minds:

  • Those whose work and income are uncertain
  • Those who are isolated
  • Those who are fearful of an unknown future
  • Those who live in situations of domestic violence, and whose isolation increases the control of their violent partners
  • Those who are homeless, and all those who offer them support and care
  • Those who are involved in aged care – our agency leaders, staff and residents and their loved ones
  • Businesses whose futures are uncertain – their leaders and staff
  • School staff and students
  • Those with health conditions that put them at greater risk

Give wisdom and care-filled discernment to all our Church leaders – our Councils, and local congregations, as we seek to creatively live out our worship, witness and service in ways that offer Christ’s life-giving love and presence.

Strengthen and sustain us to be your people – shaped by your abundant grace, bearers of your generosity and overflowing love.

Through Christ our Light and Hope, we pray,

Amen.