Post date: May 6, 2021 12:00:02 AM
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On Tuesday, May 4th 2021, the Provincial Government of Alberta announced wide-ranging restrictions throughout our province with the intention of slowing the spread of Covid-19. These restrictions will be in place for at least the next three weeks.
One of the restrictions is that places of worship are now restricted to only 15 attendees. So far we have been blessed to be able to worship in-person every week and, due to our rented properties large capacity, we have been able to welcome any who wanted to come to Prince of Peace and join us in-person. However, this new restriction is much tighter and limiting to our worship.
We (The Board of Elders) had an in-depth discussion about how we would respond to these new restrictions. Ultimately we have decided that for the next three weeks, beginning Sunday May 9th 2021, we will move to online worship services only (service will continue to be at 10:00am on Facebook).
We want you all to know this was not a decision we took lightly. We have done what we can to think through and talk through the various factors involved and try to make the best decision possible.
Some of the factors behind our decision follow:
- Our call to submit to the government which God has ordained. (Romans 13:1-7)
- The safety of our members.
- Respect for the property and reputation of the Seventh Day Adventist Church whom we rent from. (Our actions will directly impact them.)
- The universal nature of these restrictions. (Churches are not being singled out and targeted.)
- The time-limit of these restrictions. (The Provincial Government has made it clear that these are intended to be short term and temporary restrictions.)
Please pray to God for guidance, strength, humility, and courage as we seek to lead Christ’s flock in the way that pleases Him. We will continue to evaluate the situation, especially as the proposed three week period comes to an end and we will update you with any changes as they come.
*Note: We recognize that the thoughts and convictions on these matters vary from member to member within our congregation. If this presented course of action violates your conscience or you believe you would be grievously sinning against God by following it, we encourage you to reach out to Pastor Mark (pastor@princeofpeace.ca) or one of our elders, where we will listen to and talk through your concerns.
“The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.” (Ps 145:17). We encourage all of us to move forward with this faith and trust that God is working out all these things for the good of us who love God and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Come Lord Jesus