In light of the recent mandate from B.C. health officials to stop larger gatherings, we have decided to cancel all of our regular Sunday gatherings this coming Sunday, March 15. Moving forward, we continue to listen to the guidance of our governing authorities, and we will assess on a week-to-week basis if we will host Sunday gatherings. Every Wednesday we will send out an email update.
Although B.C. is not currently affected to the degree of other nations, or our neighbours in Washington, we are aware that this virus spreads rapidly. We affirm the wisdom in immediate measures to slow or curb its spread by “flattening the curve.” Even if COVID-19 continues to spread, efforts to slow its growth are prudent because they will help prevent our limited healthcare resources from being overwhelmed.
The health and safety of our church and city are a priority as we consider the recommendation from the Minister of Health in B.C. and our responsibility as Christians to love our neighbours and seek the renewal of our city.
House Church Gatherings
As you know, the church is not a building. Together we are the church. During this season, we encourage you to continue gathering together as house churches. You can visit stpf.ca/housechurch for a weekly liturgy along with videos of announcements, songs, and sermons.
How will this work?
We encourage Community Groups to gather together on Sundays in addition to their regular meetings.Please coordinate with your group about the possibility of gathering this Sunday as a house church. If this is not possible for your Community Group, please use the material at stpf.ca/housechurch for your regular meeting.
If you are not part of a Community Group, we will soon provide a list of people who have opened up their homes and would welcome you to come worship on Sunday or another evening of the week. We anticipate that our regular Sunday gatherings will be on hiatus for several weeks, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We want you to be connected.
If wisdom leads to social distancing during this season, we affirm your decision. You can access this material too and perhaps worship with your family, or set up a form of video conferencing. Please stay in touch with us and let us know if you need anything.
If you are experiencing any signs of fever or sickness please:
Stay home and self-isolate
Contact a primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
Texts us at (604) 670-4054 or email us at hello@stpf.ca for all COVID-19 related requests, or if you need practical help related to COVID-19.
Please continue to take the recommended personal preventative measures as outlined by the BCCDC:
Wash your hands often with soap and water
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Avoid others who are unwell
Stay home when you are sick
Please make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more frequent updates. We will email a weekly update on Wednesdays about future Sunday gatherings.
