By God's grace, we intend to continue Sunday worship at MGBC and mindful of any restrictions issued by the authorities during the crisis.

We are a church of less than 50 people and have enough space in our sanctuary to maintain social distancing during the service. Typical attendance on Sunday is between 15 and 18 people. 

If you feel encouraged to join us in Sunday,we have all agreed to the following precautions:

1. Those who are seniors and those or have an underlying medical condition that may put you at risk if you contract an communicable disease should NOT attend our service for your own protection.
2. We ask that EVERYONE proceed to the washroom upon entering the church and wash their hands PRIOR to entering the sanctuary for worship. Hand sanitizer and frequent hand washing reduces the risk of spreading infection.
3. Avoiding shaking hands, hugging, and kissing. (We will not "Pass the Peace" in our services during the epidemic.)
4. Maintaining social distancing - six feet (two meters) whenever possible.
5. Moving to the nearest aisle to present your offering or when receiving the elements of communion. 
6. We will NOT attend the service if having any symptoms of a cold, the flu, or COVID-19, or think that we have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or are caring for someone else who has COVID-19.

In addition, we are taking these extra precautions:

1. Service bulletins will be placed on a chair or table instead of being handed out by a greeter.
2. The offering plate will not be circulated among the congregation in the pews but handled only by the ushers. 
3. We use disposable plastic communion cups. 
4. There will be no refreshments or "Coffee Time" following the service.
5. An usher will be posted at the back of the church to advise newcomers of the steps they need to take to prevent the spread of infection.
6. Interior doors will be propped open so that there is no need to touch a doorknob or door pull. If weather permits, exterior doors will also be propped open. 

Please continue to check this website to remain informed of the latest developments. 

How can I help others during this crisis?

• PRAY! 
• Offer to buy groceries and run errands for seniors and those with health conditions so that they can remain at home and not be exposed to possible infection. 
• Call seniors and shut-ins. 
• Donate to the food bank. 
• Use the time to declutter and downsize. Donate usable items to charity. 
• Check in on your neighbours by phone. See if they need assistance. Establish the strands of connection that build community. 
• Spring is here. Encourage people to join you - BUT MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING -  in walks through the neighbourhood or in the park and connect with nature - and disconnect from the constant barrage of media. Exercise, fresh air, sunshine, and nature lift the spirit and enlarge one's perspective. 
• Talk with your children about the crisis. They pick up on the fear and anxiety of adults during this crisis but don't understand it - or worse, misunderstand it. Answer their questions with regard to their level of understanding but focus on what can be done rather than what can't be done. Correct any misconceptions they have about what is happening and why it is happening.  
• Offer condolences and comfort to those who have lost a loved one to the virus. 
  
   

Prayer resource:

The following link takes you to a blog that addresses the current crisis with comforting biblical encouragement and a prayer.

https://spiritledsneakers.com/blog/a-letter-to-the-church

When you pray, remember the following:

• For health care workers who bear the brunt of the work in treating those with the virus. 
• For those with loss of income due to closures places them at risk of homelessness.
• For those whose home is the street and have no safe place to stay.
• For scientists and researchers as they seek to understand COVID-19 and seek effective methods of treatment and develop a vaccine.
• For governments, as they manage the crisis, thoughtful of the financial impact on small businesses and individuals.
• That peace and cooperation among nations would prevail, preventing discrimination of other countries or ethnic groups.
• Communities in Canada and abroad that do not have access to adequate medical facilities to cope with the pandemic.
• That those of us who believe our comforts shield us and our families from the effects of the pandemic and keep us from concern for others, compassion and empathy be aroused in us to the point where we use our resources for the benefit of others and not just ourselves.
• That we avoid racial intolerance, prejudice,  and any hatred.
• That none of us seek to profit from the crisis by taking advantage of others. 
• That our Lord reveal to all during the crisis, reminding us that he is sovereign over life and death without our intervention or medical assistance in dying (MAID). 
• that Christians and other faith groups would work together to care for the sick and dying and comfort the bereaved.