基督教頌恩堂「新型冠狀病毒」特別通告
因「新型冠狀病毒」疫情不斷擴大, 卑詩省省長 John Hogan, 卑詩省首席衛生官亨利醫生(Bonnie Henry)和省衛生廳長狄德安(Adrian Dix)已於本週三(3月11日)邀請省內120名宗教代表進行電話會議, 我和門諾弟兄會的區牧也在被邀之列。隨著感染人數的繼續增長, 政府預計未來數星期將會有更多社區爆發, 為減少感染風險及減低對醫療機構的負荷, 當局建議民眾盡量避免參加人群聚集的活動，相關單位也要注意相應的防護工作, 市民及教會應該盡一切努力防止病毒在社區傳播，特別是保護長者以及其他易受感染人群。省衛生部官員昨天(3月12日)更要求民眾近期取消超過250人參與的各類集會活動。
昨天晚上「基督教頌恩堂」教牧同工及執事舉行了緊急會議, 決定回應省衛生部的建議，暫停所有在教堂舉辦的主要活動, 由本星期六(3月14日)開始。相應改變包括：
- 主日崇拜(粵、英、國）將透過網上舉行（例如：Facebook、YouTube、Zoom、Google Meet）；
- 所有主日學暫停（教牧正考慮透過網上舉辦其他研經學習）；
- Awana：暫停至4月17日；
- 團契及小組：鼓勵大家透過網上及其他形式舉行；
- 祈禱會：鼓勵會衆在家中和家人一同禱告, 也可參加網上由教牧同工主領的週二祈禱會（7:30pm)；
- 教牧及行政同工仍然會在教會辦公室工作和事奉, 如有任何需要或詢問, 請聯絡我們！
- 同工會透過不同途徑（教會網頁、Facebook、WhatsApp、電郵）, 每週與會衆發報教會及事工最新的情況。
求主給我們平安和勇氣, 在疫症的陰影和威脅下, 見證基督！
「我對你們說了這些事，是要使你們在我裏面有平安。在世上你們有苦難，但你們要有勇氣，我已經勝過世界。」(約翰福音 16:33; 和合本修訂版)
羅志明（主任牧師）
Pacific Grace MB Church Special Announcement Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic
As you are aware, concerns regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) have been circulating in recent weeks. We want to let you know that the health and safety of our members and visitors is our priority at Pacific Grace MB Church. We are closely monitoring the situation, and we will adhere to any recommendations made by the province and local health officials regarding public gatherings. This is a dynamic situation that is changing every day.
The Deacon Board and pastors have decided to cancel all in-house worship gatherings, Sunday School classes fellowships and prayer meetings until further notice to minimize the risk of illness and protect those who are entrusted to us. AWANA regular program will also not be running until further notice (no earlier than April 17).
We have not made this decision lightly, but we believe it is the wisest course of action at this time. We will keep church news and related course of action posted periodically. When we decide it is safe to resume our regular activities and other events, we will communicate that to you through various means.
In the meantime, we suggest that you make use of online resources such as Facebook Live, Youtube, Zoom and Google Meet as a way to connect. We will provide instructions on how to use these online resources for those who need help.
For this coming Sunday’s English Service, we will post on the church’s website (www.pgmbc.com) on how you can join the service.
Pastors and Administrative staff members will continue to work on the church premises. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any enquiries.
We are aware that situations like these can stir up fear and anxiety, God is sovereign over all things, and our ultimate hope is found in Jesus. Although we won’t be gathering for services and events, we encourage you to stay connected to the church body through calls, texts, and online engagement. Pray for those affected by this virus as we wait for Christ to return and bring about a day without sickness, suffering, and death.
In Christ,
Rev. Xavier Law, Senior Pastor, Pacific Grace MB Church
