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We are very excited to make the following announcement regarding re-opening, and look forward to seeing each one face to face again soon! 

On June 29, our Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, along with Premier John Horgan and Minster of Health Adrian Dix announced the removal of restrictions for church worship services in keeping with the BC Restart Plan. Accordingly, our board has removed our Covid-19 safety plan and added a Communicable Disease Prevention Plan to allow for fuller engagement with worship services and group meetings. 

Here are some of the specifics for re-opening:

  • We will be fully open for worship services starting July 4. We will continue live-streaming our services as well.
  • No reservations will be required.
  • Masks may still be worn, but are optional.
  • No physical distancing will be required, although seating will be spaced more than normal through the summer.
  • Congregational singing is again welcomed.
  • The building will be open again for small group gatherings upon request and approval by the pastoral staff. Please contact the church office if you’d like to request a time.
  • If you feel sick, please still stay home until you’re feeling better.
  • Hand sanitizers will continue to be stocked in high traffic areas.
  • We will plan to still receive offerings through electronic means (e-transfer, online giving, debit) or by placing in the donation box by the debit machine.
  • This summer, we will encourage people to reconnect, but we will hold off with re-opening celebrations until the fall.
  • Sunday Kids’ ministry will resume in September. In the meantime, activity boxes will be provided for them on Sundays.

An Ethic of Love

As we consider coming back together face to face, it is important to consider how we will engage with one another. This past year and a half has highlighted our diversity. We have not all agreed on how to respond to the pandemic, how to deal with restrictions, or what to think of prevention or treatment options. As we gather again, it is easy to imagine that we will differ on our perspectives about re-opening as well. Some of us are more than ready to be done with masks and distancing, while others may be wanting to proceed with more caution. Some may even want to continue wearing a mask and physically distancing at this time.

To this point (for the most part), our church family has been gracious to one another as we have navigated these challenging days, and our leadership team would like to say, ‘Thank You’! May we continue to demonstrate love for one another in re-opening as a testimony to our community about the love we have received from Jesus. Let’s be a community of grace for one another: loving each other well and showing respect for each other in light of our differences.

Paul writes in Romans 10:12, 

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.” 

And in Philippians 2.5, he writes, 

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus,” 

a mindset of humility, service, and obedience to the Father.

Church, as we come back together, let’s choose to go above and beyond in demonstrating love for one another. Plan to be open and intentional in conversation about what people are comfortable with. Before giving someone a hug, check in to make sure it’s ok. If you would like to sit next to someone, ask if they’re alright with that. If someone is wearing a mask, assume they would like a little extra distance, and then ask them before you step into that space. Let’s work at making re-opening as easy as possible for every person.

Again, thank you so much for your grace and patience over the course of this challenging season. it has been a huge blessing to all of us on the leadership team!

On behalf of the board and staff,

Pastor Dave Driedger