PAUSING IN-PERSON WORSHIP & BUILDING CLOSED

January 13, 2021

Peace, friends. 

Like so many in our community, we have been following the increased COVID-19 case numbers in the Region of Waterloo. “Effective January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the province of Ontario will enter into a second provincial emergency and provincial stay-at-home order to help address increasing COVID-19 cases. Residents are required to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for essential work.” (https://www.kitchener.ca/en/city-services/storm-and-emergency-updates.aspx#)

For St. Peter’s this means that

• in person worship continues to be paused (as it has been since Nov 2020)
• the building is closed

Ultimately, it is the safety of staff, volunteers, members, guests, and those we serve guides our decisions regarding building use and activities and we will err on the side of caution in our decision making. As such, we will not look for ways to creatively get around or alter public health directives and guidelines.

The leadership team remains committed to providing the St. Peter’s and wider community opportunities for connection and worship, particularly while we cannot gather in-person. Our national television ministry continues; you can tune in on Sundays at 10AM on January 24, February 14 & 28 (Bell Fibe: 201/1201  Bell Satellite: 584, 1505; Rogers Cable: 12/109/518;  Shaw Direct: 67/369 *Local listings across the province and country may vary). Online/eMessenger (worship) materials will continue to be provided as well as supportive pastoral conversation and various learning opportunities.

In the book of Ecclesiastes we read that “For everything there is a season…” There is a time for mourning – like for the loss of normal life and routine – and a time to refrain from embracing – due to physical distancing.  But there are also other times. Bishop Larry encourages us to “welcome moments of joy” and “help each other live into hope. Trust that God is at work in this time and look for the new things God is doing even now.” I hope that we can continue to be patient with each other in the weeks ahead.

I continue to be inspired by the resiliency of the St. Peter’s community. I continue to be moved by the St. Peter’s community’s love of neighbour. I continue to be uplifted as the St. Peter’s community proclaims the Gospel.

Updates will be offered in a variety of ways; this is an evolving situation. This is a challenging time, and one that we can continue to meet with “dexterity, generosity, and deep faithfulness. […] May God continue to bless us with abundant gifts of hope, forbearance and patience as we navigate the significant decisions and choices that will need to be made going forward” says our Bishop Michael Pryse (Eastern Synod, ELCIC). We couldn’t agree more.

Know that you remain, as always, in my heart and prayers.

Onward,

Pastor Mark