December 22nd, 2020
As many of you are now aware, the province of Ontario is moving into a province wide lockdown due to the ongoing COVID-19 virus. This includes the Grey Bruce region. At this point, the lockdown will last 28 days, starting on December 26th, 2020 at 12:01 am. While the lockdown is presently set to expire for our region on January 23, 2021, we are aware that the government will be re-evaluating the situation closer to that date and could choose to either lift or extend those guidelines.
As Ministry Council, when we first reopened our church building this past August to in-person services, we said that we would stay open if it were responsible, safe, and we could do so. Because we want to be responsible, obedient, and safe citizens, we are agreeing to close our facility to any further in-person worship services or events until this lockdown is lifted, starting on December 26th, 2020.
What this means is that our Christmas Eve services are still going ahead as planned. We will still be meeting at 5:30 and 7:00 pm to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, and the hope, peace, love, joy and light that He brings. For those who are preferring to join us online or on the TV, a special Christmas Eve service will be broadcast on Facebook starting at 530 pm, and on Wightman Channel 6 at 7 pm.
Starting this next Sunday (December 27th, 2020) until the time where we can meet again in person, we will be doing a live stream service on Facebook, much like we did during the first wave. We invite you to join us online at 10 am each Sunday for worship, prayer, teaching, and an opportunity to grow in your faith and be encouraged.
As mentioned prior, for your safety and in compliance with the regulations, our building will be closed for public access except for things deemed as essential services as per the government guidelines. We are in contact with the health unit to determine what those specific things are. Also, for those of you who still need to give to the offering by cheque, we will have details released shortly as to the times in which you can arrange to drop your offering by the church. If you still need to reach a pastor, the pastoral care phone will still be active (519-379-1752).
In this time that is ahead, know that we are praying for all of you. If you need anything, please reach out. If you have any questions of us as Ministry Council, please contact us. And in the days that are ahead, we want to wish you a Merry, blessed, restful, and refreshing Christmas where, even in the midst of all that is going on, that you feel the hope, peace, joy, love, and light of the Saviour, born in Bethlehem.
Your Ministry Council – Hanover Missionary Church – Jason Bechtel(Chair), Karen Schmalz(Vice-Chair), Dan DeVisser(Treasurer), Charlotte Spitzig(Clerk), Kaia Kontrimas & Carolyn Pearson