Every Sunday, you'll likely find more than 100 people at the Bathurst Presbyterian Church's services at 9am, 10.30am and 6pm.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But after the Federal Government introduced new restrictions on non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people in an effort to halt the spread of the coronavirus, the church, like all across Australia, had to rethink how it meets with its congregations.
And on Sunday gone, it took its first step into a new era after it streamed two services live on Facebook, one at 10am and one at 6pm.
Bathurst Presbyterian Church pastor Tristan Merkel said while there's been many challenges in the past week, the church is still committed to meeting together however possible.
"The book of Hebrews tells us that to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, we are to never give up meeting together," he said during the live stream on Sunday night.
"Meeting together at the moment is a big challenge. So in a way it is actually quite painful for us to meet how we are. This is difficult, we have challenges to face but God is good. So we can trust we can encourage each other to live all of life for Jesus.
Pastor Merkel said the church is always looking for new and creative ways to connect with people, with live streaming one of those ways.
Churches in the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst will also move to online streaming from the weekend of March 28-29 via the Zoom program.
Bishop Mark Calder said there are a lot of challenges ahead for churches across the diocese.
"This will really impact people in so many different ways, that we can't meet together and sustain them in their trust in Jesus. Some people will become lonely and isolated," he said.
He said a majority of churches in the diocese were able to meet on the weekend before the move online.
"We wanted to use the last weekend to prepare people and talk about the future. We're encouraging people to keep in contact by telephone and internet."
Bishop Calder said he's convinced that God will use the coronavirus pandemic for his glory.
"I'm convinced the Lord will use this in amazing ways and I think we'll look back that God will have used this situation," he said.
"Churches will be strengthened with these online service, but I think some will struggle or die with it. Some people may not switch to online giving."
The Catholic Diocese of Bathurst also began its move to online services, streaming its 10am Mass live from the Cathedral of St Michael and St John.
Father Paul Devitt led the service and started off by praying for those affected by coronavirus.
"We pray for those who are anxious at these times and we pray for the health workers who are physically unwell and mentally unwell," he said.
"We ask our loving God to watch over and bless us and pray together in worship to God who is love itself."