So, What’s Next?

Last week, I received considerable positive feedback in response to my article on “Christ, Churches and COVID.” Thank you for this. Many of you identify with the sentiments I expressed and were encouraged by the perspective that I offered.

This week, we received mixed news regarding our response to COVID locally. Our “numbers are up” in terms of daily positive COVID tests. As a result, prohibitions are again extended “indefinitely.” This is discouraging to many.

On the other hand, our Provincial Health Officer, in a somewhat bold and creative move, has decided to maximize the severely limited supply of vaccines by offering only first doses until everyone who wants one has received it. While this has meant a compromise in terms of the recommended “best practices” of the vaccine manufacturers and the practice of other nations, it has also brought a ray of hope.

While the impact of extending the timing between “first” and “second” vaccines from the recommended 21 days to four months or more is unknown in terms of the “efficacy” of the vaccine, there is confidence that the “plus” of getting a first vaccine to as many as possible as soon as possible will hasten the return to a degree of “normalcy.”

Response to this initiative is somewhat mixed. Many welcome it as a means of enabling”moving on.” Others fear that this plan will result in vulnerability to more “waves” of virus.

As pastors and leaders, we continue to be caught in the middle between “optimists” and “pessimists;” and the “deniers” and the “cautious.” No one seems to be happy, and many have become pessimistic.

Here is an article that you can use as a “check-up” as to how you are doing? Dan Reiland provides a helpful checklist of warning signs of stress and overload, “Warning Signs and Practical Help for Stress Overload.”

warning-signs-and-practical-help-for-stress-overload

Much conversation today focuses on what we are “prohibited” from doing. Many have been hoping to be able to “open,” and for a relaxation of COVID protocols, only to hear that they are extended indefinitely. This can be depressing.

As we look to our district conference, our focus will be on recognizing what God is doing, and what He is saying in the midst of this pandemic. Our theme is,  “Advancing the Gospel in Pandemic Times.”

Two pastors of district churches have recovered from COVID. Both have been impacted by this experience and will be sharing with us on Saturday AM. Others will share of their church and leaders showing resilience, and developing online ministries and creative ways to maintain and enhance “community” in their churches, as well as reaching out to their wider communities.

Many are looking to the Lord for his leading beyond COVID – what change and renewal is God calling us to? Here is an article to encourage your thinking. “6 Truths to Prepare the Church for a Post-Christian America.” 6-truths-about-ministry-in-post-christian-europe-that-apply-to-the-u-s

As there is at least a ray of light now at the end of the COVID tunnel, we do need to be considering  what we have learned, what God has  been saying and what we will change as we move forward.    
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Children’s and Youth Ministry – needs to happen!
While Churches are “prohibited’ from gathering, ministry to children and youth is encouraged! It is also needed! Children are lonely and isolated.

Here is a memo I sent to some youth pastors this week, with guidance and reference to Government regulations for “extra curricular” activities for children and youth. With adequate COVID Policy, children and youth ministries are encouraged.
Memo_to_churches_re_Children_and_Youth_Ministry_March_3_2021.pdf

 
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