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Dear Bethel Family,
I know that many of us were waiting for June 10th to see if the province would actually enter into the second phase of its re-opening plan – which it thankfully has! So what does that mean for us at Bethel? Firstly, it means that we can move from 15% of fire-code occupancy to 33%, which would be 100 for the building, and 64 for the main auditorium. In other words, we should be able to fit almost everybody in the main auditorium. That said, we will still prepare the fellowship hall for overflow as needed (i.e. sound, hymnals, sheet music etc.). Masks, however, will still be required indoors. Camp news: The 55+ Camp Committee thought there were too many obstacles for holding a successful camp during their traditional time-slot of the end of June, so that camp has been cancelled. Hopefully, it might be resurrected later in the summer. Most of you are probably aware that the 60th Anniversary celebration has been moved back to August 28th. Unfortunately, this decision was made just after our June bulletin was published! Lord willing, all other camps are going as scheduled – and they all still need staff! So please be praying for this critical component of the ministry. If you would like to volunteer, please fill out the staff application form on the website. Be praying especially for Intermediate Boys Camp (16-19 Aug.) which still needs a director and speaker. Food Pantry We served about 85 community members this past Monday. This was down quite a bit from our average of well over 100. This may be due to the time of the month (just after payday), the weather (rainy), or (hopefully) drop in demand. Regardless, be praying that we continue to use the opportunities that the Lord gives us to share the Good News with those who attend (volunteers & patrons). In His service, Frank On behalf of the elders
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Dear Bethel Family,
The Elders met Thursday night and agreed on what we hope will be a workable plan to see us through the next few weeks. Thanks to all who were praying for us – we certainly appreciated it. While we considered going totally online (as we did during the first lockdown last Spring), we did not want to exclude those who don’t have access to the necessary technology. After counting the maximum number who fall into that category, along with the minimum number of people that it takes to run a Sunday gathering at the Chapel, we estimate that we would be able to just meet the new maximum number of 15 people. With that in mind, here is the plan:
The Elders will be reviewing the plan each week to see if any changes are needed. Should you have any concerns or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact any of us. As always, we value your prayers for wisdom and unity – and that we would all have hearts to seek the glory of the Lord, regardless of circumstances. In His glad service, Frank On behalf of the Elders Dear Bethel Family,
In light of the newest Covid restrictions announced this week, the natural question is: ‘Are we still able to meet physically?’. The short answer is ‘Yes!’ – but with some added protocols. In order to comply with the new capacity restriction of 15%, we will only be able to have 30 people in the main auditorium, plus 15 in the fellowship hall, and 5 in the foyer – for a total of 50 people, including children. While we considered the option of going completely online, the elders think it important that we maintain as much ‘normalcy’ as possible, within the restrictions imposed by the governing authority. Thus we plan to continue meeting physically (Lord’s Supper, Family Bible Hour, & Sunday School) up to the numbers noted above. This means we will have to go to a RSVP system, i.e. if you would like to attend physically on Sunday mornings, you will have to RSVP (to Frank) by Saturday evening to reserve a spot. We hope to have an audio feed into the fellowship hall in place by Sunday, and eventually a video feed if technically & logistically feasible. Of course, the option of joining us on Zoom will still be available. Obviously this plan has come together in very short order, and we may well have to make changes as we see how it works out. Please be praying for us (and each other) as we work to navigate our way through this! A related question is ‘What about Christmas Eve?’. We will see how our Sunday plans work out, and then decide if the Christmas hymn sing is still viable. For the moment, however, it is still a go. Finally, if you are around the chapel after dark, you will notice that the parking lot lighting has been totally updated. This was really appreciated on Monday evening during the community food pantry, especially by the women who were waiting on the deck for rides, and also by the volunteers who are parked in the rear. A big thanks to the Deacons for this great improvement to both our safety and security. In His service, Frank On behalf of the Elders Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 Dear Bethel Family,
Just in case you were wondering how the latest restrictions from the provincial government and AHS effect Bethel – the short answer is not much. We have gone through the latest guidelines as they apply to ‘faith-based gatherings’ and concluded that we still fall within the 1/3 building capacity limit. (Our posted capacity for the main auditorium is 194.) The existing restrictions, such as hand sanitation, masks while singing, social distancing etc., still apply (see update #4 for more info). As a reminder for those who may have misplaced the current Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89998743389?pwd=dzlibmpBeE1vdE1vempidVl2SWhlQT09 May the Lord bless as we prepare our hearts to gather (either virtually or in-person). On behalf of the Elders Dear Bethel Family,
As mentioned last month, we are planning to reopen the chapel for in-person meetings this coming Sunday (July 5th). We want to follow our ‘normal’ routine as much as possible, applying AHS restrictions and protocols where necessary and applicable. This is how we see things unfolding: General – If you are experiencing any of the Covid-19 symptoms, are not feeling well, or have a compromised immune system, then you should not come out. You can still watch online (see below). For those who are able to come out, hand sanitizer and masks will be available at the front and back doors. Please observe the social distancing protocols (including refraining from hand-shakes & hugs) except among cohort groups. You will find that every other pew, and several at the centre front, have been taped off to facilitate distancing. We will have music at both meetings, but if you want to sing you will need to wear a mask (or you can hum without one). We have blocked off the front several pews so that the song leaders don’t have to wear a mask. If you have your own hymnals, please feel free to bring and use your copy(s). If not, feel free to use the ones we have and then take them home and bring back each week. This will help us from needing to wipe down multiple hymnal covers each week. Breaking of Bread – We’ve had to make a number of changes to this meeting. When you enter the auditorium pick up a self-contained packet of ‘communion elements’ from the trays on the bulletin cart. At the beginning of the meeting, the Announcing Elder will explain the procedure for the elements, including how to open the packet (it’s actually quite simple). There will be no passing of the bag for offerings, but a box will be available at the back for the auditorium for envelopes either before or after the meeting. There will be a garbage can set up in the foyer for you to dispose of the packaging from the communion elements following the meeting. Fellowship Time – We’ve set up extra tables & chairs in the fellowship hall so that we can visit at the proper distance. We are not allowed to serve coffee and open food and beverages; however, bottled water, juice boxes and pre-packaged snacks will be available. Please don’t throw empty bottles & juice boxes in the garbage; look for the blue recycling boxes. Also, please avoid standing or gathering in the usual ‘choke points’, e.g. doorways and foyer. If you really need your coffee or tea then you will need to bring your own! Family Bible Hour – Aside from the singing restrictions, this will proceed much as normal. Children will need to remain with their parents, including during the children’s story. We are not allowed to have a nursery program at the is time. However, the nursery will be available on a self-serve basis as needed by parents. As usual, children are not allowed in the nursery without a parent or guardian. Sunday School – We are still working on how to make this work within AHS guidelines. So in the meantime children will have to remain with their parents or guardians throughout both services. Although speakers may try to make their messages applicable to all ages, parents might want to consider bringing quiet activities (e.g. colouring books) as necessary. We will let you know when we can restart the Sunday School ministry. Post-Meeting Gatherings – These are discouraged by AHS, so we won’t be having ‘picnic-in-the-chapel/park’ or 'soup-and-prayer.' Of course, what you do afterwards is up to you! Bethel Online – For the benefit of those who are not able to get out (at least not yet), we will continue to offer Bethel Online, via Zoom. Basically, the Zoom-room will be open from 9:30 AM (for Breaking of Bread), and stay open until the end of Family Bible Hour. You should be able to see and hear everything that happens in the auditorium, although you will not be able participate audibly. The sermon will be recorded and posted on our YouTube channel and website as normal. The Zoom link will be sent out on Saturday through email. Please pray for wisdom and grace as we take this next step of faith as an assembly. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Col.3:17). In His service, The Elders Dear Bethel family,
It has now been 14 weeks since we last met as an assembly in person. With the recent easing of restrictions, we are planning to re-open on July 5th. We hope to follow our ‘normal’ Sunday routine as closely as possible, i.e. 9:30 Breaking of Bread, 11:00 Family Bible Hour and Sunday School. We will be taking special precautions regarding sanitation, preparation & distribution of communion elements, music etc. We are not allowed to serve food or beverages during the fellowship break (although you can always bring your own). We are not able to sponsor ‘picnic in the park’ afterwards, although we can’t stop families from meeting on their own. We are not allowed to have a nursery ministry for children under two years, but we can have Sunday School for older children. We are looking into ways to continue video participation for those who are shut-in, immuno-compromised, displaying symptoms, or who are just not yet comfortable getting together. So we have quite a few details to work through yet, but we will try to keep you updated as we approach our ‘re-open date’. Please pray that we would make wise decisions. As Josh (Camp manager) reported at the Family Bible Hour (June 21st), Meadowlodge is taking advantage of the Covid stand-down to get much-needed work done at camp. Work is underway on a new underground water cistern and holding tanks, games facilities, and renovations to the girls’ washrooms. Volunteers are still needed for tree removal, disposal of old wood structures, sports shack rebuild, boathouse upgrade, sanding & painting, cabin maintenance & repairs. If you could spare a couple of hours or days, please contact Josh or Sarah by phone or email manager@meadowlodgebiblecamp .org. Sunday evening meetings will also be re-starting on July 12th. Details will be forthcoming in our July 5th bulletin. We are also hoping to be able to run two Intermediate Day Camps (ages 11-14) – Girls (Aug. 17th-20th), and Boys (Aug. 24th-27th). Registration will open on the camp website July 1st. Even though we are making plans to re-open, let’s continue to pray for each other, especially those who are shut-in, or who are experiencing significant health challenges. …let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Heb.10:25b) Yours in His service, Frank On behalf of the Elders (From the email sent out this week) Dear Bethel Family,
After much discussion and prayer, we have decided that the most prudent course of action at this time is to cancel our Sunday meetings and mid-week Bible studies until further notice. We have not taken this decision lightly, but, considering government guidance and hearing from a number of you, we have decided that this would be the most responsible course at this time. That said, we are looking into the possibility of live-streaming or pod-casting the Sunday messages. We know of other churches doing this, so we are checking to see if it is something that we can do as well. We will keep you posted on this initiative, including how you can get connected. One important aspect of our Sunday worship that cannot be facilitated remotely is the Lord’s Supper (Breaking of Bread). On the other hand, if we can’t gather together as an assembly, there is nothing to prevent families or small groups from meeting to remember the Lord. We would, therefore, encourage each of you to consider how you might be able to exercise your privilege as a holy priesthood (see 1 Peter 2:4-10), and to worship the Lord where you are. We know that the present situation is creating any number of challenges for all of us, but it is also creating opportunities to show forth the love of Christ — both to each other and to a world without hope. Let us each look to the One who is sovereign over all and to see the opportunities that He presents to us. Remember that …God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). In His mighty hands, The Elders Dear Bethel Family,
Although the risk of contracting Coronavirus (Covid-19) is still low in Canada and Alberta, all levels of government are urging individuals and organizations to take reasonable precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus. The purpose of this email is to let you know what we are planning for Bethel. First of all, at this stage we will continue with all of our normal meetings, including the annual meeting and luncheon this Sunday, while taking a number of additional precautions:
In addition, we will remind and encourage everyone in the following:
While it is proper and sensible to take reasonable health precautions, it is also reasonable not to panic. As the Lord’s people we need to remind ourselves that He is still sovereign, and we are in His hands. A timely reminder from God’s Word is Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” May He give us all wisdom and faith to live out the truth of His Word at this time (and always). Lord willing, we will see you Sunday morning! The Elders |