March 13, 2020
Hey Everyone,
Due to the increased level of concern around the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the BC governments recommendation for social distancing, we will be suspending church services until further notice.
Consider all church services and events for the month to be cancelled. This includes Shine Retreat, Fusion, Youth and Young Adults. We will continually re-evaluate the situation in the coming weeks and provide ongoing updates related to the status of our closure. Our hope is that we all back together by the Easter weekend, but until then...
What does this closure look like for our church over the next few weeks?
We need to remember that "church" is a body of believers, not the building where those believers meet! And as people defined by our desire to follow Jesus, it is important that we continue to grow in our faith and be discipled even when we aren't able to gather together physically.
Our new friendship with Northview Church in Abbotsford is again showing itself to be a blessing: We have been invited to join them in their live streaming services, and I am encouraging/recommending you all to do this! It is a different but cool way to take in a church service, and the resources they are offering to their own congregation during this time are available for us as well.
Northview is doing a special message series concerning all this uncertainty, something that would be good for us to invite our friends and neighbours to be a part of as well. This is a time when many are living with fear and uncertainty, illness or financial loss. As Christians, we are called to be the "salt and light" and can continue to live on mission during this time in our communities. If you are comfortable gathering with another family on Sunday morning to take part in the live streaming service together, I suggest it. Invite a friend or family from church to watch the service with you. Our community can still thrive in this non-traditional way.
You can take part in the live stream services here: https://northview.org/. They begin with a Saturday evening service at 5:30pm, and have multiple services on a Sunday morning to watch at your convenience.
A few other housekeeping items:
Financial giving - If you are already set up for pre-authorized giving that's great! If you are not, we would ask that you continue to give using our online service. Here is the link: https://www.reallifecommunitychurch.ca/support
Prayer Ministry - How can we pray for you! Please call, text or email if you have a prayer need.
Be encouraged, church!
In Christ,
Aaron