Dear LLC,
No doubt you would’ve heard the news yesterday regarding banning gatherings of 50 or more people. Community centers, libraries and various other city programs and buildings are closed across our city, Lower Mainland – yes, even our country.
Our leadership has been monitoring the situation closely from the onset and have been adjusting along the way. Considering the decisions made across the country, we have adjusted our response level too.
Out of love, given recent developments, we will be suspending all on-site services starting this Sunday, March 22 until further notice.
Though nothing can replace in-person gatherings, you can still join us online! We tried our first live-stream service last Sunday and it was a success. We’ve taken the steps this week towards improving the stream for this Sunday. I would like to thank the team who worked tirelessly on this, giving access to everyone in our community. I would also like to thank the team who is leading our church during this chaotic and changing waters.
We may need to practice social distancing, but not spiritual distancing. We may need to self-quarantine, but we can never quarantine the Gospel.
You’re concerned about your future, in regards to health, finances, education. Just like everyone else, I don’t know what the future holds. You might be wrestling with a lot of emotions right now. If you’re feeling scared, know that I am too. It happens when there’s uncertainty and when we lose control. But what I also know is that we do not need to be afraid, for we have this promise found in 1 John 4:4, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
Though we might be afraid, we don’t need to live afraid.
During this time, as Christians, we have a responsibility to pass the peace of Christ to people around us. It’s an opportunity to be creative in how to love our neighbours. When the world is running away, we need to discern what it means to run towards. While practicing social distancing, I encourage you all to not fail to meet up – even virtually.
As we prepare for what’s to come, let us remember those around us, especially the vulnerable population. As a church, we have an initiative called “Church Arise”.
If you have extra unused or unopened supplies of the items mentioned above, you can drop them off with us. We’ll then sanitize the outside of these items and drop them off (outside their home/vicinity) with the vulnerable population and those in need in the community. We’re also calling for those who can deliver and pick up groceries.
Let’s live with faith, not fear.
Let’s give and be generous, not hoard.
Let’s be sacrificial, not selfish.
Let’s be the church Jesus calls us to be.
If you’re not sick, experiencing any symptoms or haven’t been out of the country, we would love to collect these items and/or have you help with deliveries. Please contact us via email at hello@lordslovechurch.com.
Let us remember to live out love.
In Christ,
Pastor Doug
For more COVID-19 updates, guidelines and protocols, please visit here.