The Church is Open…The Building is Closed
One of the online blogs that I (Pastor Glenn) have been following lately is by a group named ‘Generis’ and one article is a very timely message written by Jennifer Perrow. During a season where churches have temporarily shut their doors to keep COVID-19 from spreading, the question that Jennifer asks is ‘what does it look like to be a part of the church, the body of Christ’?
In light of the direction from the BC Government to limit gatherings, the church service will be cancelled this Sunday, March 22nd. We want to do our part to minimize the risk of spreading the virus by taking step.
As we shared last week, this is a first for all of us. It is very strange and, honestly, it can induce panic if you are not thinking biblically. As we have been praying for each of you this week (the people that attend Alderbrook church) Cheryl had an incredible word in her time of prayer for us; her prayer is that we would have ‘powerfully disciplined thoughts’.
What does that look like?
We realize that we are getting lots of information about the Coronavirus. Please remember that not everything that you read on Facebook is true (let alone accurate). One of the best sites to get accurate information is the Government of Canada website
You have seen the reports panic buying in our local stores; making it appear that some people have given way to heightened fear, this is not what the Lord calls us to do as believers.
What should the church look like during this crucial time? How should we act?
Can we suggest the following?
- Read your Bible and let God’s Word bring peace and ‘disciplined thoughts”.
- Pray for those who are in leadership over our province and country. Pray for those in the medical profession.
- Call or email someone from the church or a co-worker, relative or neighbor. Let God lead you to those who are feeling anxious or panicked, pray with them, and reassure them that even in times like these God is still in charge.
- If you are well enough to get out, call someone from the church or ask a neighbor if they need any groceries (some of our ACC Lifegroups are doing this, even though they aren’t meeting during this time)
- Rebecca Siebert is putting together fun and creative activities that you can do with your kids in a family setting to keep them connected both spiritually and physically – Keep an eye out for this email.
- Jared Embree will be connecting with the youth (Middle and Highschool students)
- We will be putting a great devotional on the ACC Facebook page this Sunday March 22nd. Why not watch it and be encouraged during this time of uncertainty.
We will keep you posted via email and Facebook as to what we will do with our church services in the coming Sundays. If we don’t have your email, please send it to us at the following address participate@alderbrookchurch.com.
Our goal is to remember that the church (you and I) is always open even if the building is closed…., and we will work hard to that end.
In closing, why not read some of these incredible verses so they can be a comfort to you during this time; Meditate on these truths and let God’s Word sustain you. Share them with someone.
Isaiah 41:10
John 16:33
Romans 8:37-38
2 Corinthians 1:3
I am so proud of our Leadership Team as they give incredible guidance, strength and direction to the church during this time. The Church is open…even if the building is closed!!
Paulette Baker
Raphael Hamm
Maria Hutchison
Victor Kaay
Walt Siebert
Pastor Glenn and Cheryl