Dear EMCC Family,
Amidst growing concerns and inquiries about appropriate actions related to the risks associated with COVID-19, we encourage our pastors, church leaders and congregations to be in prayer for those immediately affected by the virus around the world and in our communities and to take responsible precautions to reduce risks, particularly in our gatherings. All churches should continue to monitor the situation in their local context and following Public Health and local community guidelines and directives.
In the context of our church gatherings, we direct church leaders to discuss and make necessary adjustments to matters related to:
- The serving of communion (suggest purchasing pre-filled juice/wafer communion cups)
- The protocol for greeting guests and foyer conversations (smiles and verbal greetings)
- Anointing and healing services
- The passing of offering plates (encouraging online giving or receiving offerings in designation box)
- The care of infants and children (cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, toys etc.)
- Hygiene (placing hand sanitizers throughout building, wiping surfaces)
Should the threat of the Virus increase in your area, we encourage church leaders to be prepared with contingencies should congregations not be able to gather. Consider a plan for online services and/or resources available online to continue to equip your people for Kingdom ministry. Organized small groups and disciple making cells may prove to be valuable.
EMCC 2020 Regional Gatherings
Our EMCC Regional Gatherings are scheduled for April 16-18, 2020 in Kitchener, Ontario and April 23-25, 2020 in Red Deer, Alberta. At this point, we are proceeding as planned with these Gatherings, monitoring with the host churches, and keeping a watchful eye on the recommendations of official governmental and world health organizations. A final decision as to whether we will need to cancel these Gatherings will be made by April 2, 2020 upon assessing the situation at that time. The Gatherings, in general, are not larger than 300 people. If we should need to cancel the events, there are no plans to reschedule them in 2020. All information that would have been shared at the Gathering would then be distributed electronically.
Websites and articles that may be helpful to you in your actions
Coronavirus: Inform and Prepare Your Organization
(Article from CCCC):
As always, we remain followers of Jesus depending on the Spirit, living by faith not fear, prayer not panic, and as responsible stewards and servants of those for whom we care.
Your EMCC National Team
