With the current health situation, regarding coronavirus, in our country and the world, I want you to know that as a church leadership we are closely monitoring the situation and how it affects us as a church. On Thursday March 12th, health authorities in Alberta asked that no gathering over 250 people meet, though this request excluded schools, daycares, shopping centers, stores, airports and places of worship, which includes us.
So, as of the writing of this letter, we are planning to hold our Sunday morning services and ministries as normal. We are taking extra precautions in our cleaning and our Sunday functions to prohibit the spreading of germs. Sorry, no shaking hands this Sunday, or greeting with a “holy kiss”. :)
If you are uncomfortable with coming to a public gathering, or are in a vulnerable sector due to age or health, we would encourage you to stay home. We will put the service online at mountoliveefc.com for listening and viewing by 11:30am Sunday morning.
If you are feeling any sickness, or have recently traveled abroad or been with those who traveled and returned from an infected area of the world, please take in our service online at 11:30am…which is a nice way of saying, “stay home”. Health authorities have asked all Albertans who have influenza type symptoms, like cough or fever, to stay home for 14 days.
We will continue to follow all requests made by our health and government authorities regarding having gatherings and being proactive to restrict the spread of germs. This is a fluid and fast moving situation so things can change quickly, we will keep you updated regarding continued church functions.
Please continue to get current information from Alberta Health Services Website Linked Here
There is much uncertainty in the world because of this virus, and uncertainty can breed fear. I want to encourage you that we serve a God who is not uncertain, caught off guard or left wringing his hands wondering what to do. But we serve a God who knows all things, and who is working all things in conformity with the purpose of his will (Ephesians 1:11).
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
With care,
Pastor Alvin Bueckert