March 16th, 2020 - A COVID-19 Update
Updated: Mar 18, 2020
(There's daily reflections, meditations, and verses being shared over on our Facebook page. Check it out by clicking here)
An update from Canyon Creek Christian Fellowship on the COVID-19
March 16th, 2020.
Dear Church Family,
It was really wonderful meeting together yesterday and connecting with those who couldn’t make it by streaming our service for the first time. We had over a hundred views last time I checked, and loved reading the comments from those of you watching.
As I’m sure you’ve heard the news from Alberta’s chief medical officer of health yesterday, the level of response has been elevated in order to contain the spread of COVID-19. For this reason myself and the board felt it is best to cease to meet in our physical space and meet online for at least the next two Sundays. This does not mean that “church is cancelled” rather it means that we are going to stay connected together online where we can ensure everyone is safe from being exposed to any illnesses. We will be streaming our Sunday worship service at our regular time 10:30am -11:30am on our Facebook page. The stream will be available to anyone with an internet connection, with or without a Facebook account. Our page can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/canyoncreekchristianfellowship/
The format will be similar to our usual Sunday morning, with time for worship, prayer, announcements and a fantastic sermon (maybe even a coffee break) and all from the comfort of your own home! Please share your photos of you watching along with us on instagram and facebook. We want to stay connected to each other, and it will be fun to know we are all still worshipping together on Sundays. This outbreak can’t stop us assembling together to be encouraged, equipped and worship together. It just means we will be doing it in our own homes gathered around our computers or phones. As well, our website will have a Sunday morning page with an online bulletin, words to the songs, and a printable worksheet for kids in lieu of Sunday School. We encourage you to comment on the live stream and we will be interacting with you there.
There will also be ways to continue giving your tithes an offerings online. You can go to canyoncreek.ca/contact for ways to give online or check out the tithe.ly app go give right from your phone. Just search Canyon Creek Christian Fellowship, fill our your information, and you’re good to go!
In addition to our Sunday service going online, we encourage small groups and ministries to postpone or meet online through facebook, Skype, zoom, FaceTime etc. until things in Calgary get more contained. Although this is not mandatory, we want to do our best especially with those over 65 or who may have a weakened immune system. It is better to operate on the side of caution at the moment.
In addition, I recognize that many of us are going through anxieties and financial pressure because of the virus. For this reason a special page will be created on our website with an opportunity to share prayer requests, or if you know of someone that needs a care package. We will be mobilizing grocery care packages for anyone not able to get out or struggling to get by in this time, so please keep an eye on our website. This page will be up today.
As well, I’ll be posting daily prayers, verses and studies on our website as a way for us to stay connected to each other and God. I believe God wants to use this time as an opportunity for us to encourage each other and to be inspired to show the love of God to the communities around us. If you find ways to bless people, share it with us! We want to hear it. By no means does this mean we are taking a break from being the people of God in our communities.
And lastly, peace be with you. I know I’ve felt overwhelmed with it all this past week, but in the midst of it I’ve felt God breathe His peace over me. I hope you feel it to. God is with you, loves you, and is faithful to care for us through this. Let’s not be alone if you are feeling anxious. Reach out, let’s pray, let’s talk, you’re not alone.
God Bless,
Justin