I recognize that there is a lot of information in this newsletter but I would encourage you to read it in its entirety so as it contains important news about our upcoming worship gatherings.
Northern Health recently announced that in-person worship services are once again permitted (CLICK HERE for the news story). On Sunday, as I preached about “Advent Joy”, I mentioned that we can actually experience what we might think of as “conflicting emotions”. We can feel happy AND sad at the same time.
I suspect that for many of us the latest Northern Health announcement is an example of “conflicted” or “mixed” emotions. Many of us are excited to be able to gather in-person for worship services once again (even if it has only been a few weeks since we last met together!). There also concerns that following the new restrictions will exclude people who haven't been vaccinated, which could cause division amongst the church.
Zion's board has been giving careful (and prayerful) consideration to these decisions and we have decided to resume in-person worship gatherings starting December 19th. We will continue to make all our services available online (via livestream) so that anyone who is unable to attend in-person will still be able to take part.
We will continue to review this decision, particularly when the current Northern Health Orders expire on January 31st.
The guidelines make mask-wearing mandatory for those age 5 and up, which is something we've already been doing at our in-person services. Those who are actively leading singing, reading or preaching are able to "unmask", with physical distancing to the congregation.
We are encouraging physical distancing in the auditorium and also in the foyer before/after the service. As a reminder, masks are mandatory unless you are actively eating or drinking.
The Northern Health order requires that anyone 12 years or older who attends a worship service must be fully vaccinated. The order also limits our attendance to 50% of our seating capacity. Although our seating capacity allows for more, the board has chosen to cap attendance at 40 people/service in order to facilitate physical distancing. We have set up an online signup for 35 people/service which will allow for some "walkins" to attend the service.
In order to comply with the Northern Health order, please follow this procedure:
Signup online for any services you are planning to attend. You can sign up your entire family to attend services but you have to sign up each week.
PLEASE NOTE that the online form includes a checkbox where you affirm this statement: I agree that I (and any household members I am signing up) am not experiencing COVID symptoms, have not recently been exposed to someone with COVID, and do not believe to be infectious. I ALSO confirm that I (and any household members I am signing up) am fully vaccinated.
The board has chosen to NOT scan Vaccine status cards at the church entrance. We are asking that you answer this question about your vaccine status with honesty and integrity. Please keep in mind that those who have been vaccinated are attending with the understanding that everyone in attendance is fully vaccinated. Your honest response to this question is an honest response to the church board (who is asking the question) AND to all who are planning to attend.
A board member will also be at the door to verbally verify the vaccine status of anyone who has not signed up online. Our goal is to not have to turn anyone away because of capacity limits but also give an opportunity to those who may not be able to signup online.
On behalf of Zion's board I would like to thank the Zion family for your adaptability during these challenging times. We are also thankful for your continued compliance to the various health orders. We are now planning to have an in-person Christmas Eve service (with the same “attendance limit” of 40 people as on Sunday mornings). We are putting together plans for that evening and will ensure that our Christmas Eve service is also livestreamed.
I also want to say that "I get it". This situation is not ideal. The reality is that no matter what approach we take, there will be some who feel we've made wrong decisions. However, I'm thankful that Zion's board has come up with a plan that will allow for the most people possible to participate in our worship gatherings while still complying with the health mandates.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact any board member. Thank you for your continued support and prayer as we work through these issues.
May the faith, hope, joy and peace of Advent/Christmas be increasingly evident to you and your family in the days ahead.
There are many ways to donate to Zion Baptist Church, including online via PayPal.Click hereto donate online.
Our most recent Financial Update is availableHere.
Wow! 2021 will soon be coming to a close. As you consider your donations to Zion Baptist, remember that you will receive a tax receipt for donations made during the 2021 calendar year.
We value donations throughout the year but perhaps you would consider a special "end-of-year" gift?
Zion Baptist's Board is ready to connect with you. Questions? Prayer requests? Ideas on how we can stay connected throughout the next few months? Feel free to reach out to anyone on the board:
