God Is With Us Through ALL Things.
Greetings Sisters and brothers of the SWNPC and beyond. We are living in times like none of us have ever known. On Tuesday of this week members of the Official Board in consultation with myself decided in the best interest of all we will be suspending Sunday morning worships at both Cultus and Courtland until further notice.
United Church’s General Council Office is closed, and regional council offices across the country have done the same.
Each day there are new updates of closures and restrictions, along with announcements of government support to help people through this time. I encourage all of us to take care in response to this pandemic by honouring all mandated orders offered by our government.
The Horseshoe Falls Regional Council Covenant Commission met by Zoom on Tuesday of this week and arrived at this statement to all faith communities in our region: “The Horseshoe Falls Covenant Commission calls all Faith Communities to respond appropriately to government directives and seek creative and Spirit-filled ways to support their community’s safety and well-being.”
To that end, we of the SWNPC will not be gathering Sunday mornings for worship until further notice. Meanwhile, we will be exploring creative ways to offer worship and spiritual practice. Please refer to our website www.superherofaith.com where we will continue to publish Sunday Worship orders, prayers and a weekly web-message. The website is currently being updated as well, adding a COVID-19 page that will have current relevant information as well as links to resources offered by United Church of Canada. Until further notice I will not be offering pastoral visits in person but will be doing so by telephone, text messaging and emails as needs arise. Please feel free to call or text me at anytime at 519-861-9273. We will also be offering mission outreach to folk among us who need help getting groceries or household supplies ensuring the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable among us.
I believe that in experiencing church in new ways we might find ways to deepen or reinvigorate our faith, and we will be all the more grateful for worship in community in person when we can do that again. I encourage all of us to take time each day for spiritual practice that might include prayer, meditation, reading, study, exercise. Take intentional time to separate yourself from the droning news of the day and stay connected to God.
At this time I would also encourage all of us to continue supporting the church financially even though we aren’t currently meeting on Sundays. Please consider signing up for PAR, or mailing offerings to the Charge Office.
SWNPC, PO Box 129, Courtland, On., N0J 1E0
At this time we can think of those with needs greater than our own. I know that many of you have already been in touch with a neighbour or friend who may need groceries delivered, or conversations offering friendship and support. Keeping connected at this time keeps all of our spirits up. Social media can be a wonderful way to share signs of hope and encouragement (or ridiculous cartoons) during times when we are not able to be together in person. And this is also a time for prayer. We can talk to God about our worries. We can pray for our own families. We can pray for those whose needs are greatest in Canada and around the world. We can pray for medical professionals and all who serve vulnerable populations. We can pray for our Prime Minister and leaders at all levels of government. We can pray for our Moderator and all ministers and leaders in our church. Prayers matter. In these strange and difficult times, as in all times, we remember that God is with us, we are not alone. Thanks be to God.
Blessings and peace to all… PT.
