Update: COVID-19 Response

For Immediate Release

March 15th, 2020

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matt 5:14)

Can our light be hidden if we don’t have a building?

Good morning everyone.  Since the video update yesterday evening, the situation surrounding the COVID-19 virus has been changing, even in Hanover with worship services now beginning to be cancelled.  In the last 12 hours, at least two local congregations have temporarily closed their doors for public worship, with the weekly community Lent services also being cancelled.

While we have been told that we are still okay to meet together this weekend, in consultation with Ministry Council, multiple sources from the medical world, as well as Health Canada and Ontario Public Health guidelines, we have decided that for the following two Sundays (March 22 and 29, 2020), we will be closing down our regular Sunday worship gatherings.  This is in addition to us temporarily closing all our weekly ministries this past Friday.

During this time, Hanover Missionary Church will not be providing any sort of live streaming worship service from our location.  However, we are happy to help provide families with suggestions for home Bible studies, as well as make suggestions for some excellent electronic resources that you can view and make use of from the safety of your home. Please contact a pastor for suggestions. 

While it is our desire for us to remain connected as a community, and it would be our natural desire to see small groups gather within the context of homes, we also need to be aware of the need for social distancing.  Any such gathering needs to be at your own discretion.  We are not organizing any official networks of small group meetings as a ministry of HMC.  

During this time, the church office will be officially closed for public access, but the staff and pastors are still available by phone or email.  For those who wish to give to our weekly offering, please consider using the tithe.ly app and giving electronically.  If you need to use the debit terminal or drop off an envelope in a lock box, you can still do that.  

We are currently working through a strategy and plan to ensure that the congregation is still cared for in this time.  If you are in need, are wanting prayer, and are needing some extra care because of the present COVID-19 outbreak, please contact our office and speak with a Pastor, or with Marie.  

Currently, the plan is to have worship services resume for April 5th, 2020.  We will re-evaluate our current situation over the next couple weeks and will keep you updated on any developments.  Please watch our website and social media pages for important updates.   

As we deal with what has become an unprecedented time within our country, remember that regardless of what happens with COVID-19, we are still the church. We don’t need a building to be the church.   You (the people) are the church.  As such, closing our doors do not stop us from being on mission for Jesus.  It does not stop us from loving others.  It does not stop us from being a source of light, hope, encouragement, comfort, and peace in a world that seems to be falling apart with panic and fear.  You and we are the light of the world.  The light of Jesus in us can not be hidden and needs to be shared.  

Find ways to be Jesus.

Until we gather again,

Pastor Dave

Read the original March 12, 2020 update

Bulletin — March 15, 2020

March is Camp Month at HMC. Each week will feature a focus on a different avenue of camp ministry. If you’re not longing for summer yet, this will really get you in the mood! Today we will remember the wonderful time we enjoyed at Carrick Camp last fall and will look ahead to making that happen again on September 13.

Happy March Break! Due to staff holidays the office will be closed during lunch hours most days. If you find the office closed and require immediate assistance, a pastor can be reached by calling or texting the pastoral care line at 519-379-1752.

HMC EVENTS

Please join us for a Worship & Prayer Night on Monday, March 23. 7-8 p.m.

There will be an important congregational meeting on Sunday, March 29. Please bring along some snack food to share, which will be enjoyed after the service, before the meeting. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Please join us for a Good Friday Communion Service on Friday, April 10 at 10:00 a.m.

We’re planning a complimentary continental breakfast on Easter Sunday (April 12) so plan to come early that morning to enjoy some fruit and baked goods – stay tuned for more details.

Are you thinking about getting baptized? If you would like to take this step in your faith, please connect with a pastor about making this a part of our Easter Sunday service.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please pray for Frank and Anna Ewald as Frank is experiencing some health issues.

Please pray for Vern Dyck who has suffered a small stroke while travelling in the US. Praise God that he was able to get home! Please continue to pray for his full recovery.

OPPORTUNITIES

Theresa Marsden has been handling the Large Print Daily Bread ministry for years and is ready to pass the torch. If you’re interested in helping, connect with the office to learn what is involved.

An adult helper is needed in the preschool place on the last Sunday of each month. If you’re willing to volunteer, please talk to Marie Bezeau.

Moms and Tots still needs more adult volunteers to help with childcare on Wednesday mornings. Connect with Alicia DeVisser if you can help.

OTHER EVENTS

The Hanover Ministerial 2020 Lenten Service & Lunch series is happening on Wednesdays at noon at St. Matthews Lutheran until April 1. A freewill offering is collected at each event in support of Light on Main, Hanover & Area Refugee Committee, and Hope Grey-Bruce Community.

There is a Promise Keepers Men’s Conference in Owen Sound on Saturday, March 28. Please connect with Paul Nelson if you’re interested in attending.

CAMP MONTH MESSAGE

A further message from Dan Chester, spokesperson for Stayner Camp who joined us last week:

Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. For Your loving kindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth. Psalms 26:2-3 NKJV

I encourage you all to come to camp to allow yourself to take time away from your every day life. Camp provides an opportunity to set apart time to interact with God, taking time to search for His Way, His direction and His guidance for our walk with Him. This is our prayer: “Be though my Vision.”

ENGAGE WITH SCRIPTURE

It’s the perfect time to set a goal to dive into scripture. Pastor Kristina is inviting you to join her on a daily Bible reading plan. Go to shorter.at/ehnZ8 to accept her invitation to The Bible Project.

ONE TO ONE – Our goal at HMC is to be generations who follow Jesus together and one way we want to do that is through a “one to one” reading plan. Those who sign up will be matched with one other person in a different age group and given a short reading plan to read throughout the week. You will then be able to spend 10-20 minutes once a week with the person you are paired with to talk about what you read and discuss what you are learning. This will be a short term commitment with the chance to make it a long term one. Will you commit to trying this out for a couple of months and seeing what God does? Pick up a form at the Welcome Centre or chat with Pastor Kristina for more information.

BRANCHING OUT

Our Warming Centre runs every Thursday from noon to 2:00, providing a place for those in need of warmth and company to enjoy a hot bowl of soup and friendly conversation. We are accepting donations of non-perishable food items that can be handed out to those who attend. These items can be dropped off by the main office in the foyer. Also needed are donations of bars of soap and small bottles of shampoo, as well as knitted goods. As the weather is colder these days, we are very low on gloves and mitts. We appreciate your support and selfless giving to this ministry! If you’d like to volunteer for this great ministry opportunity, whether it’s to hang out with our guests, to serve or clean up, or to make soup, please connect with Marcia Burt.

Hanover Heights is still looking for donations of small hats, socks, and gloves/mittens that can be distributed to children who don’t have the necessary means to stay warm. These items can be dropped off outside the main office.

HMC’s Response to Covid-19

A NEW UPDATE WAS POSTED (ON MARCH 15, 2020)

For Immediate Release

March 12, 2020

We are a community of families. To borrow a phrase often used around here, ‘we are a family of families’. Part of being a family means that we love each other and look out for each other.

In the recent days and weeks, our world has been buzzing with news surrounding the COVID-19 virus that has moved across the globe and into our own province. With all the coverage surrounding COVID-19, and the potential risks associated with the outbreak, there is a level of fear and concern that exists.

At Hanover Missionary Church, we are aware of the concerns surrounding the COVID-19 virus. While we do not want to perpetuate or continue an atmosphere of fear, we are committed to the health, safety, and well being of all those who would choose to worship with us on Sunday mornings or be a part of any of the weekly ministries here. With that in mind, in an attempt to be balanced in our response, we are proactively taking the following measures:

  1. For the immediate future, we are limiting handshakes, hugs, and other forms of physical contact that we use to greet each other. While we want to be welcoming, and show friendliness through physical contact, we want to ensure that we are not unnecessarily passing around illnesses.
  2. We have replenished our hand sanitizer stations by the main entrance, sanctuary doors, nursery, and other locations throughout our building. Please make use of them when you enter.
  3. Please ensure you wash your hands with soap and water after using the washroom.
  4. We are switching back to disposable dishes, cups, and cutlery for any event where food or drink are consumed until further notice.
  5. We are being vigilant to clean and disinfect all doorknobs and handles where a high volume of people will be touching.
  6. There will be some changes to our ministries here at the church during this time. In tandem with the school closures, all weekday ministries and HMC events will be taking a hiatus until April 5th. As of this point, because our Sunday gatherings fall below the 250 person attendance mark, services are still happening, but we will continue to monitor conditions and recommendations. We will re-evaluate our response based on current conditions prior to April 5th.
  7. If you have any new symptoms (such as a new cough, sniffles, fever, etc..), even if you think it is just a common cold or virus, or if you have been out of the country in the last fourteen days, please avoid all gatherings, including Sunday mornings, until your symptoms have cleared.

If you are ill and unable to be a part of our Sunday gathering in person, we will have a live stream option available for you to be a part of through our Facebook page. If you want to contribute to the offering, you can continue to give through the tithe.ly app, or by visiting tithe.ly .

If you are choosing to stay away from the Sunday gathering for your own safety and well being, but are not sick, please join us online through our Facebook page. You can give online through tithe.ly as well, or visit us in the office during the week to drop off your offering by envelope or through the debit terminal.

While a situation like this has the potential to create a lot of fear and panic, I want to encourage you to remain calm and trust in our God. Remember that He knows what is going on, and this is ultimately in His hands. We can find comfort and peace in Him, knowing that whatever happens, He is taking care of us.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”
(Psalm 91:1-2)

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
(1 Peter 5:7)

Praying for you in all things,

Pastor Dave

Be sure to like/follow us on Facebook for updates about this situation

Lean — March 8, 2020

Exodus 17:8-13

  1. Sometimes following God can take us through the battle. (vs 8)
  2. The battle belongs to God. (vs 9-11)
  3. As we stand our ground, we will grow tired. (vs 12a)
  4. Not only do we need to learn on God, but we need to lean on others. (vs 12b-13

Who is leaning on you, and who are you leaning on?

Exodus 17:8-13 New Living Translation (NLT)

Israel Defeats the Amalekites

8 While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them. 9 Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.”

10 So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. 11 As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. 12 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. 13 As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Bulletin — March 8, 2020

March is Camp Month at HMC. Each week will feature a focus on a different avenue of camp ministry. If you’re not longing for summer yet, this will really get you in the mood! Today we welcome Dan Chester from Stayner Camp. Be sure to visit the table in the foyer after the service to learn more.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our chilli cook-off last week. What a great response! We’ll be announcing the winners this morning so stay turned!

HMC EVENTS

Young at Heart is celebrating March with a performance by The Silver Threads Choir from Durham. Grab your ticket for the hot luncheon in the foyer and come out on Thursday, March 12 at 11:00 a.m. for a great time of fellowship, music, and food.

Please join us for a Worship & Prayer Night on Monday, March 23. 7-8 p.m.

There will be an important congregational meeting on Sunday, March 29. Stay tuned for more details.

We’re planning a complimentary continental breakfast on Easter Sunday (April 12) so plan to come early that morning to enjoy some fruit and baked goods – stay tuned for more details.

OPPORTUNITIES

Theresa Marsden has been handling the Large Print Daily Bread ministry for years and is ready to pass the torch. If you’re interested in helping, connect with the office to learn what is involved.

An adult helper is needed in the preschool place on the last Sunday of each month. If you’re willing to volunteer, please talk to Marie Bezeau.

Moms and Tots still needs more adult volunteers to help with childcare on Wednesday mornings. Connect with Alicia DeVisser if you can help.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please pray for Vern Dyck who has suffered a small stroke while travelling in the US. Please pray for both he and Holly as they navigate treatment in another country and as they make arrangements to come home.

OTHER EVENTS

The Hanover Ministerial 2020 Lenten Service & Lunch series is happening on Wednesdays at noon at St. Matthews Lutheran until April 1. A freewill offering is collected at each event in support of Light on Main, Hanover & Area Refugee Committee, and Hope Grey-Bruce Community.

There is a Promise Keepers Men’s Conference in Owen Sound on Saturday, March 28. Please connect with Paul Nelson if you’re interested in attending.

ENGAGE WITH SCRIPTURE

It’s the perfect time to set a goal to dive into scripture. Pastor Kristina is inviting you to join her on a daily Bible reading plan. Go to shorter.at/ehnZ8 to accept her invitation to The Bible Project.

ONE TO ONE – Our goal at HMC is to be generations who follow Jesus together and one way we want to do that is through a “one to one” reading plan. Those who sign up will be matched with one other person in a different age group and given a short reading plan to read throughout the week. You will then be able to spend 10-20 minutes once a week with the person you are paired with to talk about what you read and discuss what you are learning. This will be a short term commitment with the chance to make it a long term one. Will you commit to trying this out for a couple of months and seeing what God does? Pick up a form at the Welcome Centre or chat with Pastor Kristina for more information.

BRANCHING OUT

Our Warming Centre runs every Thursday from noon to 2:00, providing a place for those in need of warmth and company to enjoy a hot bowl of soup and friendly conversation. We are accepting donations of non-perishable food items that can be handed out to those who attend. These items can be dropped off by the main office in the foyer. Also needed are donations of bars of soap and small bottles of shampoo, as well as knitted goods. As the weather is colder these days, we are very low on gloves and mitts. We appreciate your support and selfless giving to this ministry! If you’d like to volunteer for this great ministry opportunity, whether it’s to hang out with our guests, to serve or clean up, or to make soup, please connect with Marcia Burt.

Hanover Heights is still looking for donations of small hats, socks, and gloves/mittens that can be distributed to children who don’t have the necessary means to stay warm. These items can be dropped off outside the main office.

All In: Taming the Tongue – February 23, 2020

James 3:1-12 New Living Translation (NLT)

Controlling the Tongue

3 Dear brothers and sisters,[a] not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.

But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.[b]

7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.[c]

Footnotes:

  1. 3:1 Greek brothers; also in 3:10.
  2. 3:6 Or for it will burn in hell (Greek Gehenna).
  3. 3:12 Greek from salt.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Bulletin — February 23, 2020

HMC EVENTS

Please join us for a Worship & Prayer Night for Monday, February 24. 7-8 p.m.

The Teen Challenge Choir will be coming to bless us next week on Sunday, March 1. There will be a special goodwill offering collected in support of their ministry.

Our 3rd Annual Chilli Cook-Off is on Sunday March 1 following the Teen Challenge service. We are taking only TEN entries, so if you want to participate, please sign up at the Welcome Centre today — start thinking about what going to make your pot stand out from the rest!

March is going to be Camp Month at HMC. Each week will feature a focus on a different avenue of camp ministry. If you’re not longing for summer yet, this will really get you in the mood!

We’re planning a complimentary continental breakfast on Easter Sunday (April 12) so plan to come early that morning to enjoy some fruit and baked goods – stay tuned for more details.

OPPORTUNITIES

We are still looking for volunteers to fill a few gaps. If you’d be willing to serve on the greeter or usher team, or if hospitality is something near and dear to your heart, please talk with Pastor Kristina.

An adult helper is needed in the preschool place on the last Sunday of each month. If you’re willing to volunteer, please talk to Marie Bezeau.

Moms and Tots needs more adult volunteers to help with childcare on Wednesday mornings. Connect with Alicia DeVisser if you can help.

OTHER EVENTS

The Hanover Ministerial 2020 Lenten Service & Lunch series kicks off on Wednesday, March 4 from 12-1 p.m. at St. Matthews Lutheran Church. Pastor Dave will be bringing the message on that day. A freewill offering will be collected to support The Light on Main, Hanover & Area Refugee Committee, and Hope Grey-Bruce Services.

Can you help? HMC is to provide squares and cookies. Please sign up at the Welcome Centre to bring in a tray by 9:30 a.m. on March 4. Two helpers are also needed for that day. Connect with Carolyn Austin for more information.

ENGAGE WITH SCRIPTURE

It’s the perfect time to set a goal to dive into scripture. Pastor Kristina is inviting you to join her on a daily Bible reading plan. Go to shorter.at/ehnZ8 to accept her invitation to The Bible Project.

ONE TO ONE – Our goal at HMC is to be generations who follow Jesus together and one way we want to do that is through a “one to one” reading plan. Those who sign up will be matched with one other person in a different age group and given a short reading plan to read throughout the week. You will then be able to spend 10-20 minutes once a week with the person you are paired with to talk about what you read and discuss what you are learning. This will be a short term commitment with the chance to make it a long term one. Will you commit to trying this out for a couple of months and seeing what God does? Pick up a form at the Welcome Centre or chat with Pastor Kristina for more information.

IN THE COMMUNITY

The Hanover Fire Department would like to invite you to participate in their Alarm for Life Program. The Hanover Fire Dept. will visit your home to test and inspect your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. This is a free program. If you would like to participate, please contact FPO Rob Hagan, 519-364-2780 ext. 1223, fpo@hanover.ca

BRANCHING OUT

Our Warming Centre runs every Thursday from noon to 2:00, providing a place for those in need of warmth and company to enjoy a hot bowl of soup and friendly conversation. We are accepting donations of non-perishable food items that can be handed out to those who attend. These items can be dropped off by the main office in the foyer. Also needed are donations of bars of soap and small bottles of shampoo, as well as knitted goods. As the weather is colder these days, we are very low on gloves and mitts. We appreciate your support and selfless giving to this ministry! If you’d like to volunteer for this great ministry opportunity, whether it’s to hang out with our guests, to serve or clean up, or to make soup, please connect with Marcia Burt.

Hanover Heights is looking for donations of small hats, socks, and gloves/mittens that can be distributed to children who don’t have the necessary means to stay warm. These items can be dropped off outside the main office.

Bulletin — February 16, 2020

HMC EVENTS

Please join us for a Worship & Prayer Night for Monday, February 24. 7-8 p.m.

The Teen Challenge Choir will be coming to bless us on Sunday, March 1. There will be a special goodwill offering collected in support of their ministry.

Our 3rd Annual Chilli Cook-Off is on Sunday March 1 following the service. We are taking only TEN entries, so if you want to participate, please sign up at the Welcome Centre today – start thinking about what going to make your pot stand out from the rest!

We’re planning a complimentary continental breakfast on Easter Sunday (April 12) so plan to come early that morning to enjoy some fruit and baked goods – stay tuned for more details.

OPPORTUNITIES

We are still looking for volunteers to fill a few gaps. If you’d be willing to serve on the greeter or usher team, or if hospitality is something near and dear to your heart, please talk with Pastor Kristina.

An adult helper is needed in the preschool place on the last Sunday of each month. If you’re willing to volunteer, please talk to Marie Bezeau.

Moms and Tots needs more adult volunteers to help with childcare on Wednesday mornings. Connect with Alicia DeVisser if you can help.

Do have a small, clean, warm throw blanket, or would you be interested in knitting one? We’re looking for some for our nursery. Please connect with Pastor Kristina if you can help.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Snow Camp is next weekend. Please pray for the leaders as they prepare and for the youth, that their hearts would be softened and open.

WORDS OF THANKS

Nelles Koenig wishes to extend his thanks to all who prayed for him before, during, and after his recent hip replacement. He is recovering in the Hanover Care Centre, room 602, and would love a visit.

ENGAGE WITH SCRIPTURE

It’s the perfect time to set a goal to dive into scripture. Pastor Kristina is inviting you to join her on a daily Bible reading plan. Go to shorter.at/ehnZ8 to accept her invitation to The Bible Project.

ONE TO ONE – Our goal at HMC is to be generations who follow Jesus together and one way we want to do that is through a “one to one” reading plan. Those who sign up will be matched with one other person in a different age group and given a short reading plan to read throughout the week. You will then be able to spend 10-20 minutes once a week with the person you are paired with to talk about what you read and discuss what you are learning. This will be a short term commitment with the chance to make it a long term one. Will you commit to trying this out for a couple of months and seeing what God does? Pick up a form at the Welcome Centre or chat with Pastor Kristina for more information.

IN THE COMMUNITY

The Hanover Fire Department would like to invite you to participate in their Alarm for Life Program. The Hanover Fire Dept. will visit your home to test and inspect your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. This is a free program. If you would like to participate, please contact FPO Rob Hagan, 519-364-2780 ext. 1223, fpo@hanover.ca

BRANCHING OUT

Our Warming Centre runs every Thursday from noon to 2:00, providing a place for those in need of warmth and company to enjoy a hot bowl of soup and friendly conversation. We are accepting donations of non-perishable food items that can be handed out to those who attend. These items can be dropped off by the main office in the foyer. Also needed are donations of bars of soap and small bottles of shampoo, as well as knitted goods. As the weather is colder these days, we are very low on gloves and mitts. We appreciate your support and selfless giving to this ministry! If you’d like to volunteer for this great ministry opportunity, whether it’s to hang out with our guests, to serve or clean up, or to make soup, please connect with Marcia Burt. There is a soup sign up at the Welcome Centre. Only two weeks are left blank – sign up if you can help on February 27 or March 5.

Hanover Heights is looking for donations of small hats, socks, and gloves/mittens that can be distributed to children who don’t have the necessary means to stay warm. These items can be dropped off outside the main office.