Dear Altadore Family,

It goes without saying that we are living through an extraordinary time in recent history. Things are changing rapidly. As Terry Smith, Executive Director of Canadian Baptist Ministries, said in this week’s Prayerline, “As disruptive and potentially threatening as COVID-19 may be, it will also be another means with which God can forge us into new levels of faithfulness, generosity, love and commitment.”

The Leadership Core has made the decision to close the church building completely for the foreseeable future. This includes cancelling worship services.
The exception is that Pastor Judy will, at least for now, maintain regular office hours and welcomes your phone calls and a visit if appropriate. She will not be making routine visitations outside the church but will respond, as allowed, to hospital visits or emergencies.

Other implications and actions going forward:

Pastor Judy will deliver a video-taped message each week. A link to the YouTube will be sent by email to everyone and a link posted on the ABC website and ABC Facebook page. If you do not have access to the internet and would like a printed copy of the message please let Judy know and arrangements can be made to leave a copy in the outside church mailbox for pick up.
A weekly email will connect us with developments and church family news.
Outside rentals are cancelled (most programs are already suspended).
Good Food Box program is suspended.
If your small group wonders about meeting, we recommend that you consider the ages and vulnerability of the participants and if you are able to keep the physical distancing of a minimum 1 metre (more if possible) between people. Exceptional hand hygiene is always critical. As an alternative, can your group share your study materials and prayer requests via an email discussion? If you aren’t meeting, it is really important to keep in touch with each other.

Authorities tell us that this is a critical time. It is important that we all work together to curtail the spread of COVID-19. We know it will be very difficult for some of our church family. Let’s think of it as a project to take all the care we can to slow down the spread of the virus and relieve the pressure on our health care system. It is comforting to know that we can trust in our Lord Jesus Christ to provide us with His peace and comfort. John 14:27 “My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

Hands, Home, Hearts

Please wash your hands thoroughly- at least 20 seconds many times a day particularly if you have been out in public

Stay home as much as possible, keep your distance and stay apart from everyone.

Keep your heart focused on Jesus and focused on consideration for others – keep in touch, help out if you can and keep this situation, your friends and families, the medical staff, those whose jobs are in jeopardy, Government and Health Authorities in prayer.

God is with us in this time and always.