Slideshow image

March 16, 2020

Dear Bethany Family,

I just want to connect with you all once again and give you another update as to how Bethany Baptist Church leadership is trying to manage and respond to the current COVID-19 crisis.  With the ever-changing circumstances, we have tried to keep you as informed as possible and will continue to keep you updated when we can.

As you know, the government continues to urge people to not gather in large groups to try and limit the risk of transmission of the virus.  Each step of the way Bethany Baptist Church has complied with the standards that have been set forth by the government. We have done all we can to try and maintain a normal rhythm of ministry under these circumstances but have reached a point where nothing is normal anymore.  The risk of transmission of COVID-19 is growing and warnings are increasing to isolate and limit contact with larger groups of people.

The numbers recommended by the government that define a “large group gathering” keeps changing and thus only makes decision making difficult for the leadership of Bethany Baptist Church on what ministries to maintain and what ministries to suspend.  However, there was a statement that we read from the government that helps bring a bit of clarity for us and it is this:

“Any gathering of more than 50 people that includes international participants or involves critical infrastructure staff, seniors or other high-risk population should be suspended.“

We have also been asked to practice a discipline called social distancing.  This simply means that there should be a space between people of a minimum of 1.5 meters or 4 feet.  In a church environment, this is definitely possible but challenging, awkward and distracting. The challenges of simply getting together to make sure we comply with all the limitations can and will distract from the real purpose of getting together.

Another thing to consider is our appearance to an unbelieving world who does not understand Christian’s desire to gather.  To an unbelieving world, people would see our gathering times as reckless and irresponsible. Though I am not afraid of the world’s opinions of us, we have to be wise in how we are perceived so as to avoid being misunderstood.  The reason the government is asking groups to suspend is for safety reasons and nothing else. This is an important distinction for us to consider as we go through our decision-making process on our response to this crisis.

All this being said, we believe that we should participate and do all we can with the government’s recommendations and do our part in slowing down the transmission of COVID-19.

As you know the Elders of Bethany Baptist Church have been in CONSTANT communication since this crisis began.  We have been in many discussions, we have done all that they could do to remain informed of the crisis, and have prayed through each decision up to this point.  Last night the Elders called an unscheduled meeting of both themselves with all the elected leaders of our church family. The purpose of this meeting was to pray and then discuss how all of our ministries, programs and relationships are being affected by the crisis, including our Sunday Morning Service. 

After a long and difficult discussion, the Servant Leadership Board and Elders together agreed to suspend all programming, including the Sunday morning worship service of Bethany Baptist Church in order to comply with the government’s recommendations to do our part to limit the risk of transmissions of COVID 19.  We don’t know when the end of this suspension will be at the moment. I wish I did. At the end of the day, this was our only reasonable and responsible decision to make.

This is a crushing announcement to have to make.  It is truly unprecedented. It is important to note that this will not be a permanent decision.  This will pass, but in the meantime, we must adapt. In saying this, we live in a time when we have some advantages that are available to us that we can use to continue ministry in various ways.  Though this is not ideal, the use of technology is an opportunity for us as a church to maintain ministry and relational contact and with each other.

As I look at the church calendar, I see MANY events and planned gatherings that are now not going to happen for a while.  It will be up to the ministry leaders in our church to prayerfully innovate as to how to continue ministry under these new circumstances.  We all know that this will be a challenge to adapt, but I believe that new opportunities will arise for us to serve both our church family and community better.  Unfortunately, it takes a crisis for us to be shaken from what is comfortable to look for new ways to serve each other. All this to say, the ministry leaders will be intentional to continue ministry as best they can under the current restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Probably one of the biggest questions is, “What are we going to do with the Sunday morning service?”  This is a good question. Last Sunday for the very first time we broadcasted the service live over Facebook.  This was not ideal because we know not everyone has Facebook. We are working on alternatives to post the message each week so everyone can follow along.  We are still too early for me to give you details other than to say, “we are working on it!”

For those who are asking, “what about those who do not have the internet?” this is a good question.  We are also working on ways to improve communication with them as well and we want to be sure they also stay as informed as possible either by phone or by someone dropping off information right to their door.  Please know that we have not forgotten about them and we are exploring solutions to maintain contact with everyone.

I realize that this is a lot to take in.  What is important to remember that we need not fear.  This is not the time to panic or feel anxiety. Instead this is a time to lean on the Lord.  Trust in Him. We have talked often about both Joy and Peace that is ours in Christ Jesus in spite of our circumstances.  The world is in turmoil. There is uncertainty. People are struggling to find answers to all that is happening right now.  This is the time where we as Christians need to be prepared to give an answer for the hope that we have in Christ. Be prepared to point to the Prince of Peace when the opportunity comes.  I say this because there WILL be an opportunity. Will you be ready to share when someone asks you about your peace and joy? I pray that you will. Though our programs are cancelled the Great Commission is not.  We still have the responsibility as Christians to be on a mission.

Please be in prayer:

For our governments - national, provincial and municipal

Health care system - doctors, nurses, researchers

First responders

The vulnerable

Our church - Elders, ministry leaders, small groups, families

Opportunities to share and show the Gospel to those who don’t know Jesus

We should also be aware of the temptation of feeling we are released from ministry programs.  Instead, we are to be motivated to build community under these new circumstances that we find ourselves in at the moment.  It is essential to remember to be intentional to develop and build relationships and not slip away into the world of netflix or youtube.  We need to stay on mission! If you have any ideas as to how we can grow and maintain relationships during this time, please let the elders know of your ideas.

Though we will not be meeting together in person, we still need to connect with each other.  Social distancing doesn’t have to disconnect people. You can still:

 - Virtually meet via Hangout/Skype/Zoom

 - Send hand-written notes

 - Make phone calls

 - Create resource videos

 - Start group texts sharing needs

 - Launch social media groups

What else would you add?  Let the elders know your ideas!  We need to reach out to each other and obey the Scriptures in caring for others.

Please know that essential meetings are still going to happen to maintain our ministry as a church body; the ministry of the church will continue to proceed.  If you have any questions as we go through this uncertain time, please call the church office. It will remain open during regular office hours. If you know of a need that you think we could possibly help with, let us know.  There will more updates to come.

Praying for you all,

Pastor Peter (on behalf of the Elders Board)