Updated Decisions about Public Worship during Coronavirus Pandemic

Grace and Peace to you from our Lord and Saviour,

It was good to gather together to listen to God's word and break holy bread together on Sunday. We remembered those of you who could not be with us.  I was hoping that - with the measures we had put in place - we could continue to meet for our weekly gathering in this way. 

However, each day brings us new changes and adaptions to our lives as our community, nation and world attempts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday, our provincial health officer issued a mandatory order banning all gatherings of 50 people or more. In addition, the advice from health and medical professionals to those over 70 years old is to avoid gatherings altogether. The majority of Gloria Dei’s membership falls into this “at high risk category”. Reflecting on our Christian love and duty to one another which calls us to do what we can to protect the vulnerable from falling prey to the coronavirus illness, the Church Council passed the following resolution:

 "That Gloria Dei discontinue the regularly scheduled 10AM Sunday worship services effective March 22 until such time that our provincial health officials lift the ban on gatherings of 50 people or more, put in place on March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic."

 That this decision is the right one, was further confirmed by a third letter from our National and Synodical Bishops sent to all congregations this morning. The Bishops call on all congregations to:  "suspend public worship services and other gatherings effective immediately.”

The full text of Pastor Vida's letter as well as the Bishops' letter are attached.