Dear Church Family,
The health and safety of our families and our team members is of the utmost importance to us. Since the last time we met we have been keeping up to date with the shifting recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Nova Scotia Health Authority. We are also following how government services, businesses and other churches are addressing these recommendations. As of the afternoon of April 2nd, Premier Steven MacNeil on behalf of the province recommended extending the provincial state of emergency until April 19th and the school board has extended the closure of schools until at least April 30th. We know this is a difficult time for everyone. The leaders representing the Deacons, Christian Education, Finance and Trustees have conferred with the Pastoral staff and we have made the decision that all in person bible studies, children and youth programming, small groups and Sunday morning services are postponed until at least the state of emergency is lifted. You might be wondering during this period what will we be doing to grow our faith in Jesus and connect as a body.
Each week we are having a digital church service that includes children’s time, prayer, announcements, bible reading and preaching. An order of service is also being e-mailed out each week. You can catch the service at this link https://www.facebook.com/pg/stevensroadbaptist/posts You will need a Facebook account to watch it ‘live’ on Sunday, but another e-mail will be sent out allowing you to watch a previous digital service that does not require an account.
The Sunday sermon will be uploaded to our podcast by Monday afternoon https://stevensroadbaptist.podbean.com/ (no account needed)
We are encouraging staying in contact with one another through phone calls, text messaging, e-mails, and even old fashion letters.
We are working on gathering some volunteers who would be able and willing to help pick up groceries or other such things if you are not able to leave your home. A sort of ‘Knock, Drop and Go’ service. If you are need of this service, please get in touch with one of the pastors or the duty deacon.
Zoom Gatherings- We have purchased a Zoom video messaging subscription. Right now the Youth Group and Kids Night Out (currently Kids Night In) are setting up weekly meetings. In the near future we will add a prayer group and a small group as well.
And lastly, we understand that money may be a personal issue for you and your household in this time but we ask that you please consider giving on your normal schedule if possible. We accept e-transfers (etransfer@stevensroadbaptist.ca), we can set up automatic withdrawals, checks can be mailed or picked up.
It appears that we be will separated and isolated for a while longer but please know that none of us are alone. While we are each in our own space, we are still a community joined together through our faith in Christ as our Saviour and Lord. We will see the end of this period in this church’s history and this period of world history before too long. God will lead us through. Pastor Christopher On behalf of Staff, Deacons, Trustees, Christian Education and Finance