All “Set” and Ready to Go…
Years ago, a student asked famous anthropologist Margaret Mead what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to speak of something like clay pots, tools for hunting, grinding-stones, or religious artifacts.
To the student’s surprise, Mead said that the first evidence of civilization was a 15,000 years old fractured femur found in an archaeological site. This particular bone had been broken and had healed. The femur is the longest bone in the body and links the hip to the knee, and if broken will take some weeks to heal.
Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger. You cannot drink or hunt for food. If wounded in this way, you become easy prey for your predators. No creature survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.
A broken femur that has healed is evidence that another person has taken time to stay with the fallen, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended them through recovery. A healed femur indicates that someone has helped a fellow human, rather than abandoning them to save their own life.
The word “equip” in Scripture is used of the ministry of pastor-teachers in Ephesians 4:12 (and also of apostles, prophets and evangelists). The word “equip” is used of making something serviceable, as in ready for use. It is used of a fisherman mending his nets to catch fish. It is used of readying a ship for a voyage. Significantly, in the light of Mead’s observations, it is also used of a physician setting a broken bone, so that it will heal and once again be serviceable.
In Galatians, the same root word is used of restoring/equipping a brother who has been caught up in a sin so that he may again be useful for service (Gal. 6:1). We need the support of one another in community…
As we prepare to “launch” into our fall programs and ministry, we enter a season where we are called to unity and support of one another in a very special way.
Opinions may differ about unclear and somewhat ambiguous COVID regulations. Some people will want to take advantage of current regulations that exempt churches from requirements for both masks and vaccines, while others will insist on a policy of mandatory masks and vaccines. Some are ready to meet in person – others will choose to stay at home for the foreseeable future. All this can be wearying to pastors and leaders, and can drain us of both energy and courage to lead.
We really do need one another – and none of us can thrive as a Christian on our own. Though we may be somewhat confused and even “divided” over COVID protocols and procedures, we are called to be united in Christ and his mission.
The Apostle Paul challenges us in Galatians 1: 14,15: “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
As we ready for the fall, may God encourage your hearts, and may we move forward with confidence in Christ. As Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. “
Lets focus our eyes on Christ and our energies on loving and serving one another in Christ’s Name. With such an emphasis, we can all be “Set” and Ready to Go...
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As we look to the future, Carey Nieuwhof challenges us that future church growth will be move from attracting people to engaging people. This is a good read, and he offers some good counsel to all church leaders. 5 REASONS ENGAGEMENT WILL DRIVE ALMOST ALL FUTURE CHURCH GROWTH. Here is the link: 5-reasons-engagement-will-drive-almost-future-church-growth
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BC COVID-19 Policy Updates:
Last week, Dr. Bonnie Henry, our provincial health officer, announced that masks are now required for all indoor gatherings, including not-for-profit organizations. What does this mean for churches?
The BC Centre for Disease Control and BC Ministry of Health states:
“Worship services are exempt from both the provincial mask mandate that requires mask use in indoor public spaces and the requirement to provide proof of immunization against COVID-19 to access some events, services and businesses. However, faith leaders are supported to implement these additional measures in their in-person services should they desire to do so.”
Here is the full document: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/community-settings/faith-based-spiritual-and-worship-practices
In short, while wearing a mask is considered to be good medical practice and considerate of others, there is not a legal requirement for people to do so. We will welcome all who attend. Please be both considerate and mindful of those who are either compromised and/or specially cautious regarding COVID. Wearing a mask can be an act of servanthood to brothers and sisters who feel vulnerable to COVID.
In light of this, please also note and utilize the recommendations provided in the document “Guidance for Holding Low Risk Worship Services.”
COVID_public_guidance/COVID-19_Guidance_Faith_Based_Organizations.pdf
Children’s Ministries (K-Grade 12) are exempt from vaccine requirements: covid-19/vaccine/proof
Please also check current policy and resources on our LPD Website at: https://www.lpd-efcc.ca/covid-19/ Thanks to Josephine for keeping us up to date!
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Important News regarding the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program has been extended through the end of September – and perhaps beyond...
More information can be found at:
recovery-hiring-program/crhp-compare-cews.html
For assistance or to answer questions, please contact Josephine at the district office.
