Department NEWS

By George Ali Ministerial Director, Alberta Conference

ALBERTA CONFERENCE MINISTERIAL UPDATE

COVID-19

September 30, 2020

To date, we have about 80% of our churches open and are doing both face-to-face services and livestreaming.

Face-to-face pastoral visitation is limited. However, many pastors and church leaders meet the needs through video conferencing on Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or traditional phone calls. Other services, such as baptisms and communion, require creative approaches that respect the social distancing guidelines. Some pastors have opted to stand outside the baptismal pool while the candidate is inside. After a pastoral prayer and the baptismal pronouncement, the candidate submerges himself or herself into the water.

Soon, phase 3 of the COVID-19 health response will open, and things may change. Overall, the churches have been adaptable to the changes required and are generally doing well. However, there are still challenges and a need for some pastors and church leadership teams to plan more adequate worship services.

We encourage the churches to follow the Alberta Health guidelines, be cautious, and stay safe.