COVID 19 Updates
March 11, 2022
Mandates Lifted
Dear WBC Congregation,
The Province of BC has announced that restrictions on worship service capacity has been lifted as of Friday, March 11, 2022. This means that churches are no longer required to cap services at 50% if there are unvaccinated people present. As well, we are no longer required to wear masks in indoor public spaces including our worship services.
As always, let’s do what we can to help everyone feel welcome and safe at our church. And let’s be respectful of those who continue to use masks as there are many reasons for people to do so.
See you on Sunday.
Oskar
December 7, 2021
Westview Baptist Church Covid-19 Safety Plan
Westview Baptist Church staff and volunteers must adhere to these safety protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic. This safety plan will be posted in the lobby upstairs, the office entrance downstairs, and church website.
Building Access
No sick individual or persons exhibiting Covid-like respiratory symptoms will be allowed to enter the church building. A symptom checklist is posted at entrances to the building. WBC staff and volunteers will stay at home if they are unwell.
Masks are now required in all indoor public settings including places of worship by all people born in 2016 or earlier (age 5+). Masks are required during worship services and all group meetings that are held in the church.
Hand sanitizers will be provided at the entrance to the auditorium and in the offices.
The BC Ministry of Health encourages everyone to be vaccinated, however vaccination is not required to enter the building for religious purposes.
In-Person Worship Services
During worship services, masks can be temporarily removed by the worship team, scripture readers, officiants and preachers, where physical distancing is observed. They may also be removed during communion or whenever eating or drinking. Please note that some individuals have exemptions from the use of face coverings.
If participants are not all vaccinated, worship services are limited to 50% capacity. That means that a maximum of 209 attendees are allowed in the auditorium during a worship service.
Everyone’s personal space should be respected. Do not offer handshakes or hugs to those who have not given permission.
Live-streaming of worship services will be offered in addition to in-person services so that the most vulnerable members or those who are not ready to attend in-person can participate without entering the building.
Ushers will not collect an offering during the service, but an offering box will be available at the back of the auditorium for tithes and offerings. Offering envelopes can also be dropped in the mailbox outside the office entrance. As well, the congregation has been encouraged to give online with their credit card.
During Sundays with Communion, pre-packaged communion cups will be available when coming into the auditorium.
Washrooms Usage
After using the washroom, wash your hands, following the posted handwashing guidelines.
Automatic light sensors have been installed in the washrooms, so there is no need to touch the light switch to turn the lights and fans on or off.
Sanitizing of the Space Used
All staff are encouraged to sanitize their work space before and after work.
Janitorial services will focus on disinfection of high-touch surfaces.
Communication of the Pandemic Protocols
The WBC Covid-19 Safety Plan will be posted visibly upstairs in the lobby, downstairs by the office entrance and on our website.
All WBC staff will maintain up-to-date knowledge of and abide by the current health authority requirements posted at the BC center of disease control: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
This safety plan is based on the BC ministry of health guidelines for faith-based organizations to prevent Covid-19 transmission: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/community- settings/faith-based-spiritual-and-worship-practices
December 2, 2021
Updated Health Order from the BC Ministry of Health
WBC Congregation,
This week we received an updated health order from the BC Ministry of Health. Since July, churches were under a mask and vaccine exemption and we have been meeting together without restrictions. This has changed this week. Let me list the health orders coming into effect immediately:
Masks are now required in all indoor public settings including places of worship by all people born in 2016 or earlier (age 5+). Masks are required during worship services and all group meetings that are held in the church.
During worship services, masks can be temporarily removed by the worship team, Scripture readers, officiants and preachers, where physical distancing is observed. They may also be removed during communion or whenever eating or drinking. Please note that some individuals have exemptions from the use of face coverings.
If participants are not all vaccinated, worship services are limited to 50% capacity. Based on our current attendance this will not be a problem. Christmas Eve may pose a challenge but there will be emails and announcements about that.
As always, please respect people’s personal space, clean your hands frequently, and stay home if you are sick.
We know that some support these changes while others are weary of more restrictions. However, let’s continue to respect one another as we have strived to do throughout this pandemic. I pray that through these uncertain times we would find our hope firmly fixed on Jesus.
Blessings,
Oskar
November 23, 2021
Westview Baptist Church
Covid-19 Safety Plan
Fall 2021 (Phase 3)
Westview Baptist Church staff and volunteers must adhere to these safety protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic. This safety plan will be posted in the lobby upstairs, the office entrance downstairs, and church website.
Prevention Measures
1. Everyone who is sick or not feeling well should stay at home.
2. Everyone’s personal space should be respected.
3. Everyone should clean their hands frequently.
Building Access
1. No sick individual or persons exhibiting Covid-like respiratory symptoms will be allowed to enter the church building. A symptom checklist is posted at entrances to the building. WBC staff and volunteers will stay at home if they are unwell.
2. Hand sanitizers will be provided at the entrance to the auditorium and in the offices.
3. Facemasks are recommended by the BC Ministry of health but not mandatory. Facemasks are available at the front door and offices to anyone who requests one.
4. The BC Ministry of Health encourages everyone to be vaccinated, however vaccination is not required to enter the building for religious purposes.
In-Person Worship Services
1. Live-streaming of worship services will be offered in addition to in-person services so that the most vulnerable members or those who are not ready to attend in-person can participate without entering the building.
2. Ushers will not collect an offering during the service, but an offering box will be available at the back of the auditorium for tithes and offerings. Offering envelopes can also be dropped in the mailbox outside the office entrance. As well, the congregation has been encouraged to give online with their credit card.
3. During Sundays with Communion, pre-packaged communion cups will be available when coming into the auditorium.
Washrooms Usage
1. After using the washroom, wash your hands, following the posted handwashing guidelines.
2. Automatic light sensors have been installed in the washrooms, so there is no need to touch the light switch to turn the lights and fans on or off.
Sanitizing of the Space Used
1. All staff are encouraged to sanitize their work space before and after work.
2. Janitorial services will focus on disinfection of high-touch surfaces.
Communication of the Pandemic Protocols
1. The WBC Covid-19 Safety Plan will be posted visibly upstairs in the lobby, downstairs by the office entrance and on our website.
2. All WBC staff will maintain up-to-date knowledge of and abide by the current health authority requirements posted at the BC center of disease control:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
3. This safety plan is based on the BC ministry of health guidelines for faith-based organizations to prevent Covid-19 transmission:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/community-settings/faith-based-organizations
July 28, 2021
Dear Church Family,
I have received some questions about the new provincial mask mandate that went into effect this past week. Just letting you know that worship services are exempt from this requirement. BC Health is encouraging people to wear a mask, but it is not required when attending a worship service. I have attached the guidelines from BC Health to this email if you want more information.
As I mentioned at the beginning of July, when the gathering restrictions were dropped, please be extra sensitive of people’s personal space. Please make sure the individuals you are meeting with are okay with handshakes and hugs before offering them. And let’s be respectful of everyone whether they choose to wear a mask or not.
See you tomorrow at our worship service at 10am or feel free to view our livestream from home.
Blessings,
Oskar
July 21, 2021
Dear Church Family,
It is very exciting to be gathering together on Sunday mornings again. Worshipping our God together, hearing and growing in our knowledge of God’s Word, sharing with one another over a coffee - these are moments that we probably won’t take for granted any more.
After 16 months of lockdowns we are rebuilding our Sunday morning service teams. And we could definitely use your help in some of these areas.
Ushers (helping people get seated, collecting the offering)
Greeters (greeting people when they arrive and answering questions they may have)
Coffee Team (making coffee and refreshments)
Muffin Team (baking fresh muffins - we only plan to restart this ministry in the Fall)
We will make schedules (3 months in advance) and we usually only ask people to serve once per month. Would you consider volunteering in one of these areas? Simply reply to this email (oskar@wbchurch.ca) or call the office (604-485-9607).
Blessings,
Oskar
July 1, 2021
Dear WBC Family,
Happy Canada Day! There is wonderful news that you may have already heard. Starting today, BC Health has lifted all restrictions for religious gatherings. We can now gather together with no restrictions in our worship service: there is no need to register, singing and meeting together is allowed, masks are now optional, physical distancing is not required, and there are no capacity limits.
Starting this Sunday, July 4, we will resume our regular 10:00am worship service. You are all welcome to attend. If you have registered for a 9:00am service, please disregard that time and come at 10:00am instead. We will continue to livestream our worship services, but they will now be available to view at 10:00am.
Many of us have been looking forward to this news for a long time and are ready to be together again. But we also know that there are others who will hear this news with hesitation and may not be comfortable being close to others yet. That’s why we ask everyone to be sensitive of people’s personal space. Let’s be gracious with each other as we transition out of this difficult time. For now, let’s refrain from shaking everyone’s hand until we are comfortable meeting together again. If you would like to hug someone please make sure you have their permission. As well, remember that there are many reasons why some people may still want to wear a mask or physically distance. And, of course, if you are sick or have any symptoms please wait until you are feeling well. Let’s be sensitive and respectful so that everyone can feel safe to attend the worship services they have been longing to be a part of.
As we come back together I pray that we come with an increased gratitude for the privilege of worshipping our God freely. I hope that we find a renewed love for one another and a greater desire to know Jesus and make him known in our town. May the Lord be lifted up as we bring him a joyful song of praise.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday at 10:00am!
Oskar
June 23, 2021
Dear Congregation,
We will continue to offer 1 in-person worship service this coming Sunday, June 27, 9:00am. If you would like to come out this Sunday, please fill out the form on this page by 12 noon on Saturday, June 26.
http://www.wbchurch.ca/inperson-relaunch
Our phone system is still under repair, but you can leave messages on our voicemail. Thank-you for your continued patience.
Blessings,
Oskar
June 16, 2021
Dear Congregation,
The BC Health update was released on June 15 and the restrictions on recreational travel within BC have been removed. Unfortunately, right now there is no loosening of the restrictions on worship gatherings. So, we will continue to offer 1 in-person worship service this coming Sunday, June 20, 9:00am. We are close to 40 in attendance right now, so we will offer a second service as soon as we reach the maximum 50 capacity. If you would like to come out this Sunday, please call the office or fill out the form on this page by 12 noon on Saturday, June 19:
http://www.wbchurch.ca/inperson-relaunch
Our phone system is still down, so please use this number to reach us (604) 485-9607. You can leave messages on our other line (5040), but we will not hear the phone ring. Thank-you for your continued patience.
Blessings,
Oskar
June 8, 2021
Dear Congregation,
It was wonderful to gather together last Sunday for the first time in months. We are waiting for the next BC Health update that should be coming June 15. We hope that we will see some of the restrictions lifted. In any case, we will offer another in-person worship service this coming Sunday, still under the strict rules.
Maximum number of people who may attend is 50
All attending the service must pre-register
All participants must wear a face covering (except the worship team and speakers)
Only the worship team is allowed to sing
Participants may not gather socially before or after the service
We will offer 1 service this coming Sunday, June 13, 9:00am, to those who want to join us in-person as we livestream the service. If you would like to come out this Sunday, please call the office or fill out the form on this page by 12noon on Saturday, June 12:
http://www.wbchurch.ca/inperson-relaunch
Stay tuned for updates on further changes next week.
Blessings,
Oskar
June 2, 2021
Dear Congregation,
If you have been following the news, you will know that BC Health has released a 4-step plan over this summer to loosen the lockdowns and restrictions. The plan, which sounds too good to be true right now, could have all restrictions lifted by September 7. That means we could possibly have a full service with no restrictions this coming September. Our leadership team will follow all developments carefully and we will open the church according to the guidelines.
With that said, indoor services are now allowed, but still under very strict rules. Here’s a sampling:
Maximum number of people who may attend is 50
All attending the service must pre-register
All participants must wear a face covering (except the worship team and speaker)
Only the worship team is allowed to sing
Participants may not gather socially before or after the service
Martin and I have spoken to some people and our sense is that under these restrictions we may not get many people attending. So, we will offer 1 service this coming Sunday, June 6, 9:00am, to those who want to join us as we livestream the service.
If you would like to come out this Sunday, please call the office or fill out the form on this page by 12noon on Saturday, June 5:
http://www.wbchurch.ca/inperson-relaunch
Stay tuned for updates on further changes in the coming weeks.
Blessings,
Oskar
May 26, 2021
Dear Church Family,
It has been a long time since we’ve received any positive news concerning Covid and the lockdowns. Perhaps yesterday's BC health update was the first sign that church may be reopened in the near future. I am still rather skeptical about the stated return to normal by September 7, but I remain full of hope and anticipation of the day when we meet together again in worship as the body of Christ. We will follow all the developments closely and will plan to restart our in-person services as soon as we are given permission by BC health.
The past year has been a difficult test for all of us. I have spent much time focusing on unity as different camps have formed around the Covid responses. I praise God that I have seen so much Christian maturity in our congregation as we have learned to respect one another even though we may have very different thoughts and feelings about Covid, lockdowns, vaccines, etc. As we hopefully come towards the end of this terrible season of isolation, let me ask you to continue to show the same love and respect for those whose thinking is different from yours. May we always unite around Jesus Christ, because he alone is the reason we are together and share in our eternal hope.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24–26)
Oskar
December 8, 2020
Dear WBC Congregation,
It probably came as no surprise that the BC health order was extended yesterday to Friday, January 8. This will mean that we will not have any in-person worship services until at least January 10, 2021. We have been expecting this and our worship teams will continue to offer livestream services at 9am on Sunday mornings. Here is a schedule of upcoming online services that will be available:
Schedule of Online Services
Sunday, December 13, 9:00am - Livestream worship service
Sunday, December 20, 9:00am - Livestream worship service
Christmas Eve, December 24, 4:00pm - Christmas Eve worship service available online
Sunday, December 27, 9:00am - Online worship service available
Sunday, January 3, 9:00am - Livestream worship service
To watch these services please go to our online worship page on our website. (If you are not available at the time of the livestream, you can click on the same link to watch the recorded service.)
http://www.wbchurch.ca/online-sunday-worship
You can also access our sermon page anytime to listen to previous sermons:
http://www.wbchurch.ca/sermons
Our hope is that we can stay connected through video technology that we have available. And most of all, we pray that the Lord would give you much joy, peace and hope throughout the Christmas season.
If you have any questions, concerns, or would like someone to pray with, please call the church (604-485-9607). We will be happy to talk and pray with you.
Blessings,
Oskar
November 20, 2020
Dear WBC Congregation,
A new public health order has been announced which restricts our worship services for the next few weeks. You can find the health order by clicking here. For our church, this means:
the next three in-person worship services will be cancelled (Nov. 22, 29 & Dec. 6).
the Sunday morning children’s ministry will be cancelled for these weeks.
the congregational meeting scheduled for this Sunday, Nov. 22, will be rescheduled.
We will continue to offer our online worship service with a new sermon, music selections from our worship leaders, and kidsZone videos. Please click on this link on Sunday morning to access this content. We will not, of course, be live-streaming over the next three Sundays.
However, the health order says that formal meetings & support groups can continue to operate. That means:
board meetings and committee meetings can continue.
the church office will be open during our regular hours (Monday - Thursday, 9am-4pm).
support groups can continue to operate if held at the church. If your group is a social group then the exemption does not apply. (I know there is ambiguity between what is a social or support group. Please call me if you are unsure).
During this health order, masks will be required at all public indoor settings and workplaces. That means wearing a mask is now required during any meetings held in the church. And, of course, physical distancing must be kept at all times.
Thank-you for your co-operation as we strive to work together with our health officials during this pandemic.
Oskar
September 9, 2020
Westview Baptist Church Covid-19 Safety Plan
Westview Baptist Church staff and volunteers must adhere to these safety protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic. This safety plan will be posted in the lobby upstairs, the office entrance downstairs, and church website.
Building Access
No sick individual and persons exhibiting Covid-like respiratory symptoms are allowed to enter the church building. WBC staff and volunteers will stay at home if they or any of their family members or close contacts are unwell.
All people entering the church building will be asked to use the hand-sanitizers provided at the entrances.
Offering envelopes can be dropped in the mailbox outside the office entrance. As well, the congregation has been encouraged to give online with their credit card.
Online worship services will be offered in addition to in-person services so that the most vulnerable members of the congregation can participate without entering the building.
In-Person Worship Services
During Sunday worship services everyone attending must pre-register providing contact information. The registration logs will be available should Public Health need this information for contact tracing.
The building will be cleaned and auditorium and lobby sanitized before each service.
Chairs will be setup for 50 attenders with physical distancing. Members of the same household will be able to sit together.
Hand sanitizer stations will be provided at the entrance, lobby and auditorium.
Face masks will not be required, but will be available for those who do not have one and would like one.
Ushers will be available to assist with seating and dismissal of the congregation at the conclusion of the service.
We will announce that physical distancing be maintained when meeting with people after the service.
No offering will be taken during the service. A donation box will be available at the back of the auditorium for those who want to bring their tithe to the church.
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing (six feet/two metres between people) will be maintained at all times.
Staff will be working in their own office and on their own computer workstations as much as possible.
If meeting in person, staff will maintain 2-meter distance between them. They may choose to use a larger space if they need to work together.
Maximum three persons can be in any of the church administrative office at a time.
Washrooms Usage
Only two people can be in one washroom at a time. This will be posted on each washroom door.
After using the washroom, wash your hands, following the posted hand-washing guidelines from the BC Ministry of Health.
Sanitizing of the Space Used
All staff are encouraged to sanitize their work space before and after work.
Sanitization supplies will be provided for group leaders to sanitize chairs, tables, countertops and door handles in the room after use.
Janitorial services will be enhanced during the Covid-19 pandemic to reduce the risk of the transmission of the virus. Cleaning will take place more frequently with the particular focus on disinfection of high-touch surfaces.
Communication of the Pandemic Protocols
All WBC Covid-19 Safety Plans will be posted visibly upstairs in the lobby, downstairs by the office entrance and on our website.
All WBC staff will maintain up-to-date knowledge of and abide by the current health authority requirements posted at the BC center of disease control: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
This safety plan is based on the BC ministry of health guidelines for faith-based organizations to prevent Covid-19 transmission: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/community- settings/faith-based-organizations
August 20, 2020
Dear WBC Congregation,
Worship & Watchcare met recently to discuss the relaunch of weekly in-person worship services. After a successful limited launch this summer we think it’s time to begin our weekly worship services starting Sunday, September 13 (Sunday after Labour Day).
Here is what we are working on for September:
Weekly In-Person Worship Services
Our worship teams are preparing. Our Sunday morning service teams are getting organized. Starting Sunday, September 13, we will hold two worship services at 9:00am & 11:00am every Sunday. There will be a limit of 50 attenders for each service with physical distancing in place. Registration will be required by either filing out a form on our website (wbchurch.ca/relaunch) or calling the church office (485-9607). We hope to see many of you there as well.
Children’s Ministry
The Christian Education Committee is making plans to restart KidsZone, Preschool, Nursery, and Jr. Youth classes during the 9am service. However, the CE Committee needs to hear back from parents to let them know how to move forward. An email was sent out to parents recently asking whether they plan to return in September. Please respond to this email as soon as you can. If you did not receive this email please email pastor Martin (martin@wbchurch.ca) or call the church office and let us know whether you plan to attend in September. Note that the number of children downstairs does not count towards the maximum of 50 attenders in the upstairs service.
Online Worship Service
We will continue our online worship service every week for those who are not ready to return. In fact, we are currently purchasing video equipment to enhance our online worship options. We want to make sure that those who have health concerns can stay connected and have a way of participating in our worship service from home. You can access our online worship page here: wbchurch.ca/online-sunday-worship
Small Groups & Ministry
We also want to encourage you to be involved in a small group or to serve in some capacity. There are a number of groups and ministries that will be restarting in September after a summer break. There will be new groups starting up. As well, you may also have an idea for a new group or ministry. Take a look at some of the groups and ministries that our church is involved on our website: wbchurch.ca/ministries. While not all of these will be restarting in September, many of them will. So think about how you can be involved in sharing with others in a small group or encouraging others in service. If you want more information or are ready to be involved fill out the plug-me in form on this page: wbchurch.ca/serve. We will be happy to get you plugged in!
We were made to connect with God and with each other. I am praying that our relaunch this September will be a huge blessing to our whole church. In this challenging year, my hope is that we all find a way to stay connected to one another.
Blessings,
Oskar
July 1, 2020
Dear WBC Congregation,
Worship & Watchcare has recently met to discuss relaunching in-person worship services. We’ve been hearing from both those who are ready to meet together again as well as those who are still very concerned about the threat that the Covid-19 virus poses. We’ve decided that the best way to do this for our church is to have a limited launch this summer with a full relaunch in September. We’ve picked two Sundays this summer, July 12 & August 9, on which to offer in-person worship services of 50 people. Each Sunday will have two services of one hour at 9:00am and 11:00am. And we will continue to offer our full online worship service (wbchurch.ca) every Sunday for those who choose to participate from home.
Last week, BC entered Phase 3 of the restart plan and it seems we will be in this phase for some time. Meeting together as the full church on Sunday morning will only take place once we enter Phase 4, so worship services of 50 or under, with physical distancing, will be the new normal for the time being.
Worship & Watchcare is hard at work to prepare the building for our return and to put procedures in place that will enable us to safely gather for worship. At the same time, we recognize that even while following the BC Health guidelines we cannot guarantee complete protection from the transmission of Covid-19. So we encourage everyone to carefully weigh the risks for themselves when making their decision whether or not to attend.
Pre-Registration Required
If you would like to attend one of the services on July 12, please pre-register by contacting the church office (604-485-9607, admin@wbchurch.ca) or filling out the form on our church website (wbchurch.ca/relaunch). We will need your name, contact info, number of people in your household attending, and which service you want to attend (9am or 11am). Please register no later than 12pm, Saturday, July 11.
What We Will Do
Here is what we will do to enable us to gather safely for worship:
The building will be cleaned and auditorium sanitized before each service.
Chairs will be setup in order to maintain physical distancing. (Families will be able to sit together.)
Hand sanitizer stations will be provided at the entrance, lobby and auditorium.
Facemasks will not be required, but will be available for those who do not have one and would like one.
Ushers will be available to assist with seating and dismissal of the congregation at the conclusion of the service.
We will ask that you maintain physical distancing when meeting with people after the service (there is lots of room outside the building.)
A donation box will be available at the back of the auditorium for those who want to bring their tithe to the church.
Children’s programming will not be provided during the summer services; however, we will have toys and activities for children available.
Important Health Reminders
If you have had contact with someone diagnosed with Covid-19 or are feeling unwell, please refrain from attending the in-person worship service.
If you are diagnosed with Covid-19 after attending a service, please notify the church office as soon as possible.
Looking forward to worshipping together again with you soon!
Blessings,
Oskar
June 23, 2020
Dear Congregation,
I wanted to inform you that there’s a service team forming that will focus on assisting our seniors in areas where they may need some extra help. As an example, the Covid-19 pandemic has made accessing services on the Internet a necessity, not just an option. This has been a learning curve for some people. Other seniors, could use a little help with a small repair, or occasionally given a ride to a doctor’s visit. These are all growing needs among us.
Just recently, I was able to help someone out with some technical issues they had in their home. It is something that I have gladly done as time allows. And let me tell you that it’s such a joy to see how technology can bless someone in ways they never realized. I jokingly tell people that at Westview Baptist we offer full pastoral and technical services all-in-one!
All of us have areas where we are good at that can be of great help to others. Would you be able to offer a couple of hours of service to some of our seniors in these areas:
Assistance with technology and the Internet
Light home repairs or maintenance
Giving someone a drive
Advocacy in navigating the healthcare or government systems
We would like to form a list of people that would be able to help out (either as volunteer work or for a fee). When we become aware of certain needs we would then contact you to see if you are able to help out. We don’t want to overburden anyone, rather just use the expertise that we currently have in our congregation to serve one another.
Please send me a reply (oskar@wbchurch.ca) if you would like to be a part of this team. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
Blessings,
Oskar
June 11, 2020
Dear Congregation,
I hope we still recognize each other when we get back together- I’m the bald pastor with the big smile!! I miss you guys!!
It’s been too long, so we are encouraging people to meet in small groups. We have some folks reopening groups at the church in the foyer. I wanted you to know that the church is available. We have large spaces where social distancing is easy to maintain.
So, if you have a group or want to start a group call me to book a space.
God bless and keep you all,
Hebrews 10:25NLT And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
May 27, 2020
Dear WBC Congregation,
Worship & Watchcare has been preparing the relaunch of our group ministry and we believe that we are ready to open our small group ministry. The BC Ministry of Health has been slowly loosening restrictions, and smaller gatherings are now permitted if they continue to follow social distancing.
We have prepared guidelines for small groups to use. Please follow these when you meet together. On the church’s front door we will display a sign that says our church is now open for small groups and we encourage people to schedule by phoning or emailing the church office. We understand that people will be at different comfort levels when it comes to meeting in person. Some will not be ready to meet together yet, while others will feel the guidelines may be too restrictive. We are trying to offer a safe place for everyone as we follow the directions given to us by our government.
We ask that we all be respectful of one another, especially towards those who may have a different point of view regarding the health issues related to this pandemic.
Starting next week, we will prepare a set of small group questions that are based on the Scripture of the upcoming sermon. We encourage your group to discuss these as it will keep us all on the same page in our study of God’s Word. We have just started the book of Ecclesiastes and it is a fascinating book of the Bible.
If there is any way we can help you launch or relaunch a group please call me or Martin. We would be happy to assist you.
May the Lord bless our gatherings and keep us, his church, bound together in love.
Oskar
MARCH 13, 2020
Because Westview Baptist is under the Minister of Health’s mandate of no group gatherings, our Sunday morning worship services are cancelled until further notice.