RECOMMENDED CHURCH GUIDELINES FOR COVID-19

 Dear Pastors, Head Elders, Clerks, Communication Leaders:

After prayerful and careful reflection and consideration of the health, safety, and wellness of our church families, the Ontario Conference administration is issuing the following guidelines.

Gatherings

As per the most recent instruction from the Federal Chief Medical Officer, all gatherings, including churches, are to be suspended until further notice. We will continually keep you updated.

 For those with the facility to livestream the service, please creatively use this facility. For those without the facility, a list of our churches that offer the livestreaming will be available on the conference’s website. (These presentations will be without congregation physically present.)

 Arrange to stay in touch with your members by phone or social media.

 Please organize virtual prayers. This is the time to stay connected, praying for those directly affected by the COVID-19 and those working sacrificially to treat them.

Online Giving

 Promote online giving since members will be at home.

 Churches that do not have an Adventist Online Giving account are strongly encouraged to set up the account so that members can worship God in giving, even if they cannot be physically present.

Communication

Each church must intentionally be communicating with its members. (telephone, WhatsApp, Facebook, group email, etc.). Please do not forget your shut-ins.

Church Renting to Other Groups

Since our churches will be closed for worship, a notice should be sent as soon as possible, and a prorating of rent considered whenever possible.

Miscellaneous Please show the video (link below) to your member this Sabbath.

For more information, please refer to the Ontario Conference website.