The health officials of B.C. announced new restrictions effective November 7, 2020 at 10:00pm until Monday, November 23rd at noon. The new orders focus on social gatherings, travel, indoor group physical activities and workplace safety. 

Residents of Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health regions are being told not to engage in social interactions outside their immediate households. This restriction includes distancing yourself from your ‘bubble’ of six. However, if you live alone, Dr. Bonnie Henry encourages you to maintain a bubble of one or two people. 

As a community, we have the opportunity to graciously demonstrate love for our neighbours by upholding these new and temporary limitations. 

Sunday Worship

In the time of question and answer, Dr. Bonnie Henry was explicit: churches are not considered a social gathering and are welcome to host worship services so long as they uphold the safety protocols. 

In light of this exemption, we will continue to host our in-person Sunday evening Communion service, and we will be diligent in creating the safest environment possible.

Filming Services

In respect to filming our services on Thursdays, we will continue to implement our safety plan. For now, we will limit participation to staff and follow the COVID-19 safety plan ‘religiously’ as Dr. Henry exhorted.

Community Groups and House Churches

During the next two weeks, we ask that you would limit your community group or house church gathering to virtual spaces. Preston has been in contact with CG/HC leaders and will provide the support and resources you need.

A Pastoral Word

These new restrictions will make for a difficult two weeks and we will each feel the impact differently. 

I am deeply concerned about your mental-health and well-being. As a pastoral team, we will do our best to reach out to people. However, please take the initiative to reach out to us or someone you trust if you need support during this time. You do not need to carry the weight of these restrictions alone. You are deeply loved and we are here for you.

The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

May we be present to the God of comfort who is already present to us—and may we be a comfort to one another.