Friends,
I’m sure that you have all been following the Coronavirus numbers over the past few weeks, and they have definitely not been going in the right direction. Today, November 7, Dr Bonnie Henry has issued a new health order banning all gatherings for Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health effective tonight. While worship gatherings are not specifically restricted, we are called to do our part. I think its important to return to the question for every decision “Do we need to gather in person”; not do we “want” to gather.
I am recommending that for the next two weeks, churches in the lower mainland do the following:
- no in person worship or other gatherings (i.e. in person watch parties)
- no in person meetings
- building rentals that do not meet the standards of the health order should not be allowed to proceed
- work from home where possible
- do a careful analysis of any thrift shop operations to determine if they meet the standards outlined by WorkSafe. If you have any doubt about their safety, please close for the next two weeks.
Filming of worship can continue, provided that you follow safe distancing and cleanliness protocols. Consider reducing the number of people involved to the minimum required.
As faith leaders there is a leadership role to be played, of modelling loving others by putting everyone’s safety first, rather than looking for loopholes. These are difficult times, and may you be sustained by the knowledge that we are not alone.
Blessings,
Treena Duncan