Hello St. John’s family,
Most of you have heard of the new restrictions that have been put in place in BC. You can read more about them here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions
Please follow these as diligently as possible as part of our Christian witness and calling to love and care for one another.
As part of these restrictions in-person gatherings, including worship services, are suspended until at least the 7th of December. This has been clarified and confirmed by a communique from Archbishop Melissa, which you can read here: https://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/news/communique-from-archbishop-skelton-regarding-the-november-19-2020-orders-from-the-provincial-health-officer
For St. John’s, that means an extension of the voluntary pause that we decided to take of our in-person gatherings. However, our online services, auction and nativity display will still be going ahead.
I would like to stress here that just because we are not able to meet in person does not mean that the Church is closed. For one, there continues to be so much amazing ministry happening at St. John’s right now. For another, you are the Church, the person reading these words, and God is still calling each of us to be his hands, and feet, and heart in the world.
As the Church, I invite you to pray; I invite you to read your Bible; I invite you to phone a friend and check in on them; I invite you to go for a walk and notice something beautiful; I invite you to join us in our various online ministries; I invite you to help someone in need; I invite you to rest; I invite you to just be.
I miss you my fellow, beloved children of God. I miss gathering together as the body of Christ. However, we will get through this, dear friends, we shall see one another again soon.
Bless you all, know that my prayers are with you.
Your brother in Christ,
CG+
PS. Please reach out if you would like to talk or pray with someone.