An Update from the Leadership Core

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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.

Update from Altadore Baptist Church

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In light of the ongoing concern regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, and because the health and safety of our congregation is a priority, the following information and advice is being offered to the people of Altadore Baptist Church:
1. All of our services and gatherings are continuing as planned. Any changes will be communicated on this website.
2. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, or you have travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days, out of an abundance of caution, and respect for those around you, please remain at home. Those who are unable to attend worship can listen to the messages on our website.
3. Until this outbreak is contained, please refrain from shaking hands during our gatherings and access the hand sanitizers that are available.
4. The leadership of the church continues to monitor all recommendations provided by the Provincial and local health authorities.

As a church we continue to pray for God’s peace to calm fears and God’s healing of the sick. We pray for protection of all our frontline workers (nurses, doctors, lab techs, EMS, etc) as well wisdom for those making decisions for the safety/protection of us all.

Christmas Offerings "Thank you!"

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Thanks to your great generosity, a cheque has been sent to CBM for “Stock the Fish Pond” . Also, in addition to all the hats and mitts and diapers, etc. that were given to Alcove, a cheque has also been sent to Alcove.

A big thanks to Playtime in the Village caretakers who so generously gave diapers and baby wipes. Copious numbers of scarves, mittens, toques as well as diapers and baby wipes were gladly given by you. Cheryll Nandee, the Director of Alcove, was overwhelmed with the churches’ generosity. 

A big thanks goes to Alicia who always organizes cash donations from the Craft n’ Chat ladies. Enough money was given to buy each of the 11 children an article of clothing who were staying with their Mom at Christmas.  The children ranged in age from 1 year to 16 years, so thank you for blessing them this Christmas.

 

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Ministry Fair & Cookie Contest

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This Sunday is our annual Ministry Fair, following the worship service. This is a time for you to acquaint yourself with all the different ministries that are a part of our church. It is also a time for you to consider how you might like to be involved. AND this year there will be a cookie bake off! Each ministry area will have some cookies for you to try and you can help vote for the winner. Please do plan to stay and check it all out.

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Welcome Ana!

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We would like to welcome Ana Loewen as our new permanent Part-time Office Administrator! Many of you already know Ana, as she is also our worship pianist, so she will now be wearing 2 hats at Altadore! Feel free to introduce yourself to her on Sundays or in the office during the week, as she looks forward to meeting everyone here. Please bear with her as she  slowly but surely learns the ropes in this new role.

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Outreach Update

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Please pick up the latest edition of Mosaic in the foyer. Both of our Partners in Mission have written articles. David Nacho’s article is titled “A Holistic Approach to Mission: equipping churches in Latin America”. Elie Haddad has written an informative piece on the ministry of the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary - bearing fruit in the Arab world.

This coming Sunday, Dennis and Sharon are at High River Baptist church to present our cheque for the Foothills Growing Project on behalf of Altadore.

Indigenous History Month

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June is Indigenous History Month and also includes Aboriginal Awareness Week in Calgary. The Calgary Public library offers several opportunities to learn more about our neighbours:

  • ·Indigenous drumming circle at Memorial Park Library, Saturday June 1, 1:00 - 2:00 pm.

  • Documentary about the Making of Treaty 7 in partnership with the Making Treaty 7 Culture Society at Central Library, Monday, June 1,
    6:00 - 9:00 pm.

  • Blackfoot family story time at Forest Lawn
    Library, Saturdays, June 8 - June 29, 1:30 - 2:30 pm

  • The Indian Relay: opening reception and talk at Central Library on June 10, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

For further information go to: calgarylibrary.ca or calgarylibrary.ca/indigenous.

As well, the O’Brien Institute for Public Health will host a free screening of Indian Horse (based on book written by Richard Wagamese) on Wednesday, June 5th at the Plaza Theatre. Doors open at 6:00 pm and movie starts at 6:30 pm. Following the film, a panel discussion will explore the topics of colonization, residential schools, and their intergenerational effects on health.

Easter Offering Update

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Thank you to every one who gave so generously to our special Easter offering! $2,310.00 will be sent to CBM for the Foothills Growing Project. High River Baptist church welcomes and appreciates very much our financial support again this year as well as our prayers as they begin a new season of planting, growing and harvesting. When Sharon L spoke to Dawn G she was thrilled with the amount of our gift to help them with this year’s Growing Project.

 

Church Announcements

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  • Congratulations to Pastor Sebastian on his graduation with a Bachelor of Ministry degree from Ambrose University and Seminary. Join us in the gym after this Sunday’s service as we celebrate his achievement!

  • We are excited to explore the ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus, in Adult Sunday School. Keith MacLeod has graciously agreed to teach us about these important teachings of Jesus for the month of May after the service. Please plan to grab a cup of coffee/tea and meet in the lounge.

  • This is the last week to give to our Easter offering, supporting the work of CBM and the Canadian Food Grains Bank through High River Baptist’s 2019 Foothills Growing Project.

  • Thank you to all of those who are on our prayer chain. Your faithfulness in prayer is greatly appreciated. A reminder for all of us, if you are in need of prayer, our prayer warriors feel privileged to be able to pray for you. Contact the office for more information on the prayer chain.

Leadership Update

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At the Church Annual Meeting we received the summary result of the Flourishing Churches survey conducted last year.  A couple of questions centered on values:

  • What 3 areas of the church do YOU value the most?  Those who responded to the questionnaire indicated community with others, music & worship, preaching & teaching.

  • Our congregation is clear on its core values and priorities. 71% responded strongly agree/agree.

  • Congregation clearly communicates its core values to members and attenders. 62% strongly agree/agree.

  • Our core values and teachings shape our culture.  64% responded strongly agree/agree.

Altadore’s values come out of a vision collectively developed some years ago.  The Vison and values are always published in the Annual Report and you can read complete statements there or ask in the office to email you a copy. The short version of the vision is:

  • Deeper in our relationship with God.

  • Higher in our expression of our love for God.

  • Further in our service to all of God’s creation.

It is good to remember that this vision is personal as well as corporate.  How can you assist Altadore in fulfilling the vision and what do you need personally to do to make them even more central to your life?

Over the next several weeks, the Leadership Core is committed to referring to the values so that we as a congregation can together continue to live out these values in our teachings, our actions and our worship.