Like most people, we have been keenly following the latest updates regarding the global pandemic known as the COVID19 outbreak. In the last week or two, the reality of COVID19 has become a more present reality for us in our local community as government agencies have encouraged its citizens to make decisions that will mitigate or lessen the impact of this virus on our communities. At Seeds we also want to encourage our church community to practice recommended strategies for limiting the spread of COVID19, especially to limit its impact on people who are most vulnerable. For information regarding best practices for dealing with this situation, we recommend this Manitoba government website. https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/coronavirus/
Specific to Seeds Church, we recognize that the situation is very fluid and can change on a daily basis, but for his weekend the following will happen.
- We will meet for our regularly scheduled Sunday morning activities, including the Living Lightly for Lent Conversation at 9:30 am and 10:45 am Worship.
- Camp Roots for children will still take place during the Worship Service.
- We will discontinue our weekly practice of Communion for the time being.
Further, we encourage you to take the following recommended precautions.
- Stay home if you have a fever or chest cough, or if your immune system is already compromised in some way. If you have flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor or clinic or the hospital to ask about testing and treatment. Let the office or pastors know if there is anything we can do for you.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Use an alternative greeting to shaking hands. Give a smiling nod or a friendly wave or put your hand on your heart.
- As always, look for ways to love your neighbour. Check-in with elderly or at-risk folks in your circles. Share necessary goods with those in need. And yes, if you’ve got flu-like symptoms, avoiding close contact is an act of love!
At stressful, anxious times like these, we want to remind each other of the reality that God’s love is greater than any of the challenges that our community is facing, as Paul reminds us
Used with permission from Morden Mennonite Church