Hey North Peace church family! Since many of you have asked about what the church is doing in response to the Covid-19 situation we decided it would be helpful to respond. First of all, as your pastor I want to encourage you not to fear. I am actually quite surprised by the number of Christians buying into the panic and fear of the day. As followers of Jesus we have NOTHING to fear. God is sovereign. Jesus is in control. 2 Timothy 1:7 says "for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." We also have nothing to fear because the World Heath Organization and the Centre for Disease Control has labeled the Covid-19 symptons as "mild, flu-like symptons." 

As followers of Jesus we have a tremendous opportunity to be salt and light in our community. To give people a reason for the hope we have. To not buy into the panic and hoarding and selfishness but to be sound-minded and sober and thoughtful. 

The second thing we are doing as a church is following the guidelines that the province of British Columbia is laying out in the meantime. We want to follow the rules of the land. As of now, the province has banned gatherings of 250 or more people. As a church we have 2 gatherings on Sunday mornings at 9am and 11am. Neither service is at 250 or above. So we will continue to gather as a church on Sunday mornings. If you are worried about this flu there are common sense things you can do: 

1. Wash your hands. 

2. Don't shake hands or hug people. 

3. If you feel sick, stay home. 

I would encourage you as disciples of Jesus to think how to live in such a way to bring glory to our King. Have your life group over for a meal. Donate to your local food bank. Share toilet paper (that's a joke!). But in all honesty think about how we can use a situation where our entire country is gripped by fear to point people to the only one who can dispel their fear: Jesus! 

God bless you, and we will see you this Sunday!