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Phase 2 - SCC COVID-19

March 19, 2020

Dear SCC, 

Like you, I have been trying to remember what life was like a mere eight days ago before our society, culture, and country were changed dramatically.  It still seems so foreign to be thinking about how to live a new normal (for the time being, at least). Countless times I’ve turned on the TV hoping to escape into a hockey or baseball game, at least some highlights, only to remember, “oh yeah...”. I think we’d all agree that things are much different than they were.  With faith, I am praying that they will return back to normal soon, but until then we must all continue to adapt.

Last week SCC was forced to react to both government directives as well as new safety concerns. Thank you for being flexible with us. I look back on that decision as the correct one.  I am going to ask you to consider further necessary adjustments as we continue to navigate how to be faithful and missional to God in the midst of COVID-19.

This week the Board, and Pastors have adopted a plan for SCC to move forward with wisdom and purpose.  It contains both best case and worst case scenarios in order that we be prepared for as much we can be.  As part of that plan we are asking the members and attenders of SCC to adjust to the following:

  • Sundays - Across all campuses, regular worship gatherings of any number will cease until further notice.  In the meantime, we encourage you to gather on Sundays for Family Worship. Each campus is making a plan to live-stream a message, provide age-specific discussion resources, and worship playlists.  These will be shared every Friday. The live-stream will be posted by Campuses to Facebook groups prior to it beginning at 10:00 AM on Sundays. The teams are all working hard to provide you with the tools to continue to worship in your homes in a unique and enjoyable way. If you have trouble setting up your computer to watch online, feel free to contact the office (250-832-4004, scc@aplacetobelong.ca) and someone will come and help. 
  • Office - Office hours at the Central/Counseling Offices will continue according to the existing schedule (Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-4:30pm). That said, all staff and local pastors have been directed to work from home.  The exception is our Central/Counseling Assistant (Heather De Vries) who will be available in the office for phone calls and drop- in appointments. Central Pastors (Andy, Richard or myself) will also be present during those times on a rotation.  All pastors, local and central, are available. They are NOT quarantined, and willing to visit one-to-one or by phone should needs arise. You can reach them through the staff page on our website.
  • Redemption Counseling - Since it is considered low-risk the Counseling Center will remain open for personal or online counseling.
  • Events and Programs - All regularly scheduled & special events are on hold.  This includes Youth, Children and Seniors programs, as well as prayer meetings.  Our annual campus-wide Good Friday service will be live-streamed along with some special elements.  Also, we are discouraging LIFE Groups from meeting. Hopefully, the sooner we all comply with limiting our social contact, the sooner the crisis will be over.  If your LIFE Group, IF:Table, or Huddle would like to continue to meet digitally, I’d recommend trying the Zoom video conferencing app. We are testing Zoom for such things as staff meetings, Alpha and Elder Training until we can get together in-person again.
  • Generosity - First of all, thank-you to all who came by the office during the week to drop off offering envelopes or give through debit/credit cards.  This is encouraging and helpful. You are able to continue doing this at the Central office, or give through any of the giving options available.  At any time should you find yourself needing to adjust your pre-authorized debit (automatic withdrawal from your bank account), please contact sam@aplacetobelong.ca.  
  • Budget - Without knowing what the next few weeks hold, we have frozen all discretionary spending while considering adjustments to the 2020 budget.
  • Collection - Many of you have offered to donate food or clothing, as well as volunteered to help meet needs in the community.  We’ve reached out to partner agencies to ask how we can help, while also determining needs within the church. Though they are not yet overwhelming, we foresee that they soon will be.  If you’d like to drop off any food, household or clothing items, you can do so at the church office. 
  • Prayer - I know that we won’t be meeting together for prayer in the immediate future, but I know that we’re all still praying together.  God has rescheduled our lives to reorder our priorities. We have an opportunity to leverage this season for deepening our spiritual growth while also praying for revival.  Let me encourage you to press in on daily praying the Lord’s Prayer especially “Your Kingdom come.  Your will be done.”  Maybe even memorize Romans 8 on your own or with your family.  Please be praying for our church, our community, and our partners, such as Sunnybrae Bible Camp, who are all having to make difficult decisions.  This morning I invited the Elders to join me in fasting every Wednesday until the pandemic is over. I’m also extending the invitation to you.  Whether it be one, two or three meals, let us humble ourselves, repent of our sin, and seek His face believing that He will hear us, forgive us and heal our land.

Already, we are seeing the best of the Church in praying, sharing, encouraging, and testifying to the love of God in Christ.  I suspect that should things become even more difficult, the church will have an even greater impact according to the leading of the Holy Spirit for the glory of Christ.  Yes, we’ve had to adapt. Yes, we’ve lost some comforts. But we haven’t lost the presence and promises of Christ, nor the privilege of seeing Him work through us.

May His name be praised, now and forever.  Amen.

Love, 

Pastor Ben Hall
Lead Pastor, Shuswap Community Church