Dear Emmanuel Family,
I wanted to take this opportunity to offer a pastoral note regarding COVID-19. We are in a moment where a lot of information is coming at us quickly. Almost hour by hour we are reading about continued precautions taken by the government, sports leagues, and the hosts of large events. There are many ways we can respond to the fear, to the anxiety, to the denial, and to the realities of what we see and hear happening around us. I would encourage you to listen to the suggestions offered by our health officials, for your own safety and the safety of others. My hope, as we navigate this time, is that we remember these things.
• We serve a God who holds us all in a loving embrace.
• We can rest in that embrace, putting aside our anxieties and resting on what is true, and right.
• While some of us may not fall in the demographics considered “at risk”, through our church and our community we all come in contact with those who do. As we are prayerfully responding to this situation we must keep in mind not only the health of ourselves, but of all of the we come in contact with.
At this point we are planning to continue gathering to worship at Emmanuel. We will continue to make some alterations to the way we are together. If, however, you do not feel well (however mild the symptoms), or are at all concerned about being in a large group, please stay home. Do not let your scheduled obligations at Emmanuel guide your decision making; we will cover and adjust as needed. Make sure you are doing what it is you need to do to feel safe and healthy. Our God is capable of all things and who has equipped us with the ability to make wise decisions to care for ourselves and one another.
In the midst of this moment full of unknowns may you hold on to the words of Philippians 4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Blessings & Peace to you in Christ.
Pastor Eric
Hi there.
I live in the new neighbourhood close to Emmanuel on 17 Avenue and 168 Street. I’m not a member of your church but ….
I just want to say thank you so much for the beautiful letter and flower stem left at our front door a week or so ago. It actually brought a tear to my eye. The flower is still fresh and it reminds me of a little bit of hope and that we’re not alone in all of this turmoil.
I really do appreciate it and all of the previous gifts left at our door in the past year and half as well!
Take care and thinking of you and your congregation at this time.
Hi Robyn,
Thanks so much for the note. You are very welcome. You have experienced exactly our hope, that we would be able to remind each other that we’re in this together.
We’ll be praying for you and your family!
Peace
Pastor Eric