The COVID – 19 outbreak has been getting worse at an alarming rate. After much prayerful consideration, your leadership team has voted to postpone to a future date our 110 Anniversary Celebration, including this Sunday’s service. All events related to Celebration 110 – the worship evening, open house and Sunday worship service – will NOT go ahead this weekend.
Our government leadership is strongly discouraging large gatherings. We are not a large group, but our congregation has many in the most vulnerable age category, seniors. In a conference call Wednesday with Premier Horgan, Minister Dix and Dr. Henry, our provincial doctor we learned that seniors, especially those over 80, are at high risk if they contract this virus. We see wisdom in limiting the possibility of exposure at this time. We don’t know who our elderly guests have had contact with, and it is wise to postpone our gathering.
Although it’s a drastic decision, it is one taken with care and caution and, we believe, wisdom (Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 16:3). We see this as a way to limit the impact of this virus and to care for our neighbours, especially the most vulnerable, as we are called to do. We want to respect our government’s concern by doing our part. It is our prayer that you will be understanding of the decision made.
For this weekend, then, we will have no activity at the building, including Sunday. The Board is recommending that our other ministry groups – ladies, men, home group – put things on “pause” for this week, pray and decide on how to proceed. We will also be monitoring the situation and will make a decision on the March 22 service by Thursday the 19th.
Our hope and trust remain in Jesus!
In His love,
Pastor John