March 13, 2020
To the Congregation of McKernan Baptist Church:
We pray that God will give us peace and wisdom as we walk in His grace,
As we have been monitoring the messaging around COVID-19 and the recommendations that are coming from health officials, the staff and leadership of McKernan Baptist Church have met to reflect and pray about how best to respond to this situation. We also considered steps that our sister churches have taken in recent days.
After gathering to discuss this, we have made the difficult decision to not hold a public meeting this Sunday. In doing so we wish to respect our responsibility as members of the community and demonstrate love for our neighbours. Listen to a message from Pastor Lyle regarding this decision here – (https://vimeo.com/397545827).
Instead, this Sunday we will be livestreaming worship and a message starting at 9:00am. This can be accessed by going to our website (https://www.mckernanbaptist.ca) and clicking on the button that says “Live Service.” A recording of the service will also be available by Monday. Again, this is accessed by going to the website and clicking on “Live Service.”
Join us on Vimeo as we livestream! We still can and will worship the Lord together and proclaim His goodness. If you are able and healthy (showing no signs of infection), consider joining together in your homes as a small group or with other believers for worship and for teaching.
We would also ask you to share this with others from our church who may not get the email. It is important to get the message out in as many ways that we can.
During this time, isolation, fear, and anxiety are potential threats to us and to the people in our neighbourhoods. Please be in prayer for those in our congregation who are on self-imposed isolation as well as those with mobility issues or who otherwise lack support. Additionally, this is a time where those of us who remain healthy can be the hands and feet of Jesus in very practical ways.
Again, information on COVID can be obtained from Alberta Health Services at: AHS.ca/covid
We will be meeting to determine what will happen with our other events and activities beyond this Sunday. For the latest information on what is happening at McKernan Baptist Church, please visit our website (www.mckernanbaptist.ca) or follow us on Instagram @mckernanbaptist.
Blessings,
Lyle Buyer Nick Mitchell
Sr. Lead Team Pastor Church Board Chairperson