Dear Members and Friends of Faith:

We are sad to announce that, in light of the concerns regarding the spread of the coronavirus, church council has decided to cancel all public gatherings of worship and events at Faith effective immediately and lasting until, at least, April 5.  We will continue to monitor local and national developments, paying special attention to the advice of the Brant County Health Unit who are recommending that all non-essential gatherings should be temporarily cancelled.

It is important to remember that, just because we are not gathering for worship right now, our mission as God’s people continues.  As one popular meme being shared on social media reminds us: Faith is not cancelled.  Hope is not cancelled.  Love is not cancelled.

In these days of social distancing, I and other volunteers will be reaching out to the most vulnerable in our congregation to check in with them, and to ask if there is anything we can do to help, such as picking up groceries or supplies so that they do not have to go out.  If you are available to help in this ministry, please let the office know.  Also, let us know if we can help you in any way.

Here is an opportunity for the photo-directory we recently created to become a very helpful tool for ministry.  On the back couple of pages are names and phone numbers of our people.  One day, call the name above yours on the list – even if you don’t know them, that doesn’t matter.  Introduce yourself as someone from Faith and tell them you are just calling to check in.  The next day, call the one below you. Then two names above, and then two names below. This way, we will all know that someone is looking out for each of us.  And if you learn about a need that I should know about, please let me know.

This crisis is something that all of us – family, friends, neighbours, and the whole world – is going through together.  Just as the disciples were in the boat with Jesus when the storm raged around them, we too are in the same boat together yearning for the peace and stillness of Christ.  May our actions in this crisis be an embodiment of the hands and feet of Christ in this time.

You will be hearing regularly from me through email over the next few days and weeks as I share thoughts, news, and resources.  Please share with anyone you know in our congregation who does not have email.

In these days of anxiety and fear, I wish you peace.

Pastor Brian