NATIVITY CHURCH
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News & Events

Nativity News March 2020

31/3/2020

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Warning about Cyber attacks during Covid-19

30/3/2020

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The following information is taken directly from CERTNZ:
https://www.cert.govt.nz/individuals/alerts/attackers-using-covid-19-themed-scams-updated-alert/

CERT NZ has received reports of online criminals using the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic as an opportunity to carry out online scams and malicious cyber activity.
​

Reports include opportunistic attempts to use the COVID-19 pandemic to trick people in to:
  • donating to a fake World Health Organisation COVID-19 Response Fund
  • paying a bitcoin ransom or risk their family being infected with COVID-19
  • downloading malware from COVID-19 maps, or
  • entering their details into phishing websites.

What's happeningWhat this meansScammers and attackers are using the public interest in COVID-19 to create opportunistic online scams and attacks.
Our international partners have shared reports of the following types of scams and attacks.

Email scam
Some people are receiving emails claiming to be from the World Health Organisation (WHO). These emails have COVID-19 in the subject line, and request the recipient donate to the WHO COVID-19 Response Fund through their digital wallet. These mails are not from the WHO, and any money donated will go to the scammers.

Phishing emails claiming to have updated COVID-19 information
People have also been targeted by coronavirus-themed phishing emails, with infected attachments containing fictitious 'safety measures’. Instead of the link containing health information, it instead installs malicious software on your device that’s designed to steal personal information.
We’re also aware of similar emails being circulated that encourage people to fill in their email and password before they can get information on COVID-19. These are not legitimate, and instead are an attempt to steal personal information.
These phishing emails claim to be able to provide:
  • information on new cases of COVID-19 in your city
  • a guide on pandemic survival.

Webcam extortion emails
Some scam emails are asking recipients to pay money to the sender or they will circulate video footage of the recipient in compromising positions. This is a common scam, but newer variations are threatening to spread coronavirus to their family if they don’t pay the ransom. The emails are designed to scare the recipient into paying the money. 

Fake coronavirus maps
Security researchers have identified a new campaign where the attackers claim to have a ‘coronavirus map’ application that people can download onto their devices. Instead, the application is malware, designed to steal sensitive information from the device it is downloaded onto, such as passwords.

Text message scams
Reports have been received in Australia of COVID-19 themed scam text messages that have a link that claims to direct people to testing facilities. This link is not legitimate and instead may install malicious software on your device that’s designed to steal your personal information, such as banking details.
What to doPreventionCERT NZ recommends anyone looking for COVID-19 information looks to their regular news sites and official government websites.

Official information and all government updates on COVID-19 are collated on the govt.nz website.
NZ Government advice on COVID-19 External Link

CERT NZ advises the following:
  • Be sceptical of advice that doesn’t come from official sources, particularly if it’s been sent to you unexpectedly.
  • If you’re unsure if an email, text or any other communication is genuinely from a legitimate source, don’t click on the link or open the attachment. Contact the organisation via their official contact channels and ask.
  • Protect your passwords and login credentials, don’t enter these into any websites relating to the COVID-19 virus.
  • Keep your devices up-to-date.
  • Keep your anti-virus up to date and run regular checks.
  • Report suspected malware or phishing attempts to CERT NZ.




Report to CERT NZ
More information
  • COVID-19 fraud schemes - Interpol External Link
  • COVID-19 scam messages – Stay Smart Online External Link
  • Coronavirus phishing attacks – NCSC UK External Link

If you require more information or further support, submit a report on the CERT NZ website.
Report an incident to CERT NZ External Link

For media enquiries, email our media desk at media@mbie.govt.nz or call the MBIE media team on 027 442 2141.
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Pew News 29th March 2020

29/3/2020

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New Resources on our Website

27/3/2020

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Dear Church Family

We are thinking of you and praying for you as you continue in our first week of a new way of being. Over the last couple of days, the staff team have been developing resources that we hope will help to equip and encourage you over the coming days and weeks (and beyond!)
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This new section will include the following:

A Daily Reflections Blog

This is a space for parishioners to share what they have been learning during this time. We have already had a wonderful start to this blog, thanks to Barry Struthers. I would highly recommend you taking a look - click HERE to visit the site. To share an encouraging word or reflection, simply email admin@nativity.org.nz.
Remember that you can also share these via our Facebook Group "Church of the Nativity"


We also have six new sections that we are working on that will have a host of resources for you, and will be updated regularly.
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ONLINE WORSHIP

We will post the weekly sermon, prayers and notices video in this space. This will be made available at 8am each Sunday morning - you'll even notice a countdown timer to show you how long you have to wait!

Note that we will still be posting regular notices via our 'News and Events' blog.

FINANCES/GIVING
These are difficult times and with uncertainty about income and employment, the idea of giving money away when we either have little or are unsure about the future can be really tough.

Can we encourage you with the following reflections from Billy Graham:

  • even giving a small amount is acceptable, because tithing and charity should not be used as a way to 'make God happy with us'. We can't buy God's favour, much less our salvation. Our salvation comes solely through Jesus Christ, who by His death and resurrection purchased our salvation for us, and now offers it to us as a free gift.
  • Giving should be a result of something far deeper: our love for God and His work
  • ask Him to help you respond to His love in every way you possibly can — including your giving. Even if it's only a small amount right now, give something — and trust God to use it for His glory
We have staff members who continue to work at home to provide materials and resources to support you, while also caring for their families (and some also home schooling their children at the same time!) By continuing your giving as you are able, you are supporting the work done by the ministry team.

And if you are unable to give financially, you can pray for us; and for our wider community, our nation and our world. Please.

NOTE: For those people who would regularly give via envelopes, you may consider using this time to sort out online giving. If this is not an option for you, consider keeping a personal record and simply give this money when you are next practically able.

CONTACT US
While we are not in the office, we are still available to respond to you via telephone and email. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We will do our very best to respond within 24 hours, but if perchance you haven't heard from us, please be gracious. In our changing situation we are doing the best that we can.

EQUIPPING/TRAINING - IN PROGRESS
FAITH JOURNEY
We are compiling a list of resources that you may consider using while you have extra time. One of the most exciting opportunities is that we are able to complete the Ridley College Ministry Certificate FREE under the subscription paid for by our Diocese. Click HERE for further details.

COVID-19 RESOURCES - COMING SOON
We will also post all the latest and simplified information about Covid-19 resources here.

SMALL GROUPS - COMING SOON!
We're putting together a list of a range of resources that small groups may use to connect together. This will include things like ZOOM meetings, Facebook Groups, Messenger Chat, Skype and more.
There will also be a list of ideas of things that you can do together as a small group, even while we are physically separated.

FAMILY WORSHIP - COMING SOON!
This section is for families that have children and youth at home. We will put together resources and activities that you can do at home with your family. This will include a combination of activities that include both structured time (e.g. family devotions) and unstructured time (e.g. going on a virtual tour of a museum together)

The staff team at Nativity would like to thank you all for your words of encouragement and suggestions over the past few days. Together, our church can actually come out of this stronger than before. Continue reading God's word and hearing what HE has to say to you during this time, as we see illustrated beautifully in Barry Struthers' blog posts. Pray and look out for one another. And please, if you come across any great ideas for us in this time, share them with us. We want to build each other up.

You are so loved!

Blessings,

Kathy Taylor
on behalf of the Nativity Ministry Team
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Update for our Nativity Family 24-3-20

24/3/2020

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​Hello Nativity Family,
 
Our thoughts and prayer are with each of you as we negotiate our way through this new normal with the National lockdown about to fully take effect.  
 
CLOSURE
As you might expect, all service and courses at Nativity are cancelled for the next 4 weeks or until further notice, and there will also be no-one in the office.  Phone and e-mail messages will still be checked most (if not every) day and the prayer chain will continue, so if you have any prayer needs please contact the office or Jane Sheat or Raewyn Parkes directly.
 
OFFERTORY
Please do keep giving.  We do still have regular running costs for the church, including the staff who will be busy working from home over this time. 
 
KEEPING IN TOUCH
Here are some suggestions for worship and keeping in touch over the next few weeks:
  • See our WEBSITE www.nativity.org.nz  for updates and recordings of sermons from the current and previous weeks 
  • If you are on FACEBOOK please join our members' page: Church of the Nativity 
  • Care cells and SMALL GROUPS such as AAW, and ministry teams such as the music team, flower ladies, choir and CANVAS are expected to keep in touch with each other from a distance.  Please do try to phone or message each other regularly and offer help if needed.   For extra assistance please contact the office and we will endeavour to organize help.  Those that are not in one of these groups should be included in a phone call group.   
    If you are not
    contacted by someone by next week please let the office know info@nativity.org.nz and we will check that we have the correct contact details for you and/or add you to a group.
  • If you are unable to access our ONLINE SUNDAY SERVICES (these will include prayer, a sermon and notices), you may like to watch a speaker on Shine TV.  We would recommend Charles Stanley or David Jeremiah. We will be advising you with further information on how to link in with our regular service later this week.
  • ABIDE - a Christian guided meditation and daily prayers recommended by a parishioner now living in Hong Kong and living in lockdown now for 7 weeks https://abide.is/awesome?ref=ios
  • KAHOOT QUIZ - written weekly by Peter Olliver - just click on the link and have a go: https://kahoot.it/challenge/bde952ba-4182-421f-87f4-431c8803b7e7_1584907507751
  • Utilise the HOLY WEEK PRAYER AND FASTING RESOURCE from the Nelson Diocese (see attached)
  • The Council and Civil defence will be providing SPECIAL HELPLINES for those who are in need.  The following link should give you all of the latest local information: https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/civil-defence-emergency-management/covid-19-novel-coronavirus.  Our church and the diocese will also be posting regular updates!
    Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) - Marlborough District Council
  • As a unitary authority, Marlborough District Council has the functions, duties and powers of both a territorial authority and a regional council. www.marlborough.govt.nz
 
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
 
Blessings,
 
Kathy Taylor
Parish Administrator
Nativity Anglican Church
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Apology

22/3/2020

 
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Updates as at 21-3-2020

21/3/2020

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Dear church family,

In light of the recent announcement from the Ministry of Health, we want to encourage you all to take into consideration your personal situation when deciding whether or not to attend church tomorrow. Above all else, we want you to stay safe and do not wish to make you feel obligated to come.

If you are on the roster for tomorrow and will not be attending, please let us know and we will make alternative arrangements.

We also need to inform you that the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, NZ  and Polynesia has decided that, in the light of the risks arising from Covid-19, there will be no further public worship services across the Anglican church after tomorrow – 22 March until further notice. This includes Thursday service.

We will be keeping you informed about what 'gathering together when we can't physically meet' will look like in the future. There are a number of exciting possibilities that we will be exploring.
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As directed by the Diocese, our parish AGM has also been postponed until further notice. Our current membership will continue in their roles as they are able.

Vestry will meet this coming Wednesday night at 7pm, unless we are directed otherwise.

We want to reassure you that we are working hard at how we will function as a church during the coming weeks, and will do our best to provide you with as much information and support as possible. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

Blessings,

The Nativity Team
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Pew News

20/3/2020

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See the Vicar's Announcement for details.
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Tunes for Tots Cancelled

20/3/2020

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Dear Tunes for Tots families,

Given the current circumstances with covid-19, we have made the incredibly difficult decision for Tunes for Tots to finish the term early, with the goal of recommencing normal programs again in Term 2. We are so sad to not be able to run the last few programs for the term, and sad to miss celebrating Easter with you.

We have not made this decision lightly, but feel that this is the best way that we can care for our families and team. Given that so much of our program includes shared resources, such as instruments and toys, and being in such close proximity to each other, we feel that running the program goes against current health guidelines.

We will keep you informed by email, and on our Facebook page, of any changes and updates.

Love from the Tunes for Tots team
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Parish AGM 2020

20/3/2020

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Nativity Church
P: 03 578 3909     E: info@nativity.org.nz     A: 76 Alfred St, Blenheim 7201
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