DEACONS CORNER March 20th, 2020
Introduction
Welcome to the Deacons corner! A new segment of our communications in which we wish to inform you of and invite you into conversations we as Deacons are having in response to COVID-19. We need to figure out what God is up to in this and how we can join Him in our neighbourhoods and for our wider community. Here are a couple of things we are thinking about, doing and inviting your participation.
Community Response
As Deacons we’re thinking about what we can do to serve those in our Church and broader community. There are many individuals and families that are vulnerable and/or are under quarantine at this time. If this is you, or you know of someone in this situation that could use help with grocery or pharmacy pickup, we have volunteers that can help. Email mailto:deacons@mountainviewcrc.org describing what you need. We can make those runs for you and drop them off at your doorstep and pick up cheque / cash. If finances are a concern for you, let us know, we can help!
If you’re willing to volunteer for doing local grocery / pharmacy pick-ups, please reach out to us at deacons@mountainviewcrc.org and let us know your availability and a phone number to reach you at. We’ll match you to needs.
This is new for all of us. As Deacons we’re actively thinking about and praying about ways that we can help. If you have an idea for what we could do to show love and support for those inside and outside our Church community, please email us using this address deacons@mountainviewcrc.org, or reach out to your friendly neighborhood Deacon.
A note to those purchasing provisions for seniors or quarantined individuals: Many grocery stores/pharmacies have reduced their hours of operation (for extra sanitation and rest) and have also reduced the amount of customers allowed at a time (for social distancing). Most also have designated early open hours from 7-8 am for seniors and those with disabilities. Check before you shop.
Faithful Giving
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to meet as a church body on Sunday mornings for a traditional time of worship temporarily. Unfortunately, that also means that our weekly offerings are no longer being taken. We (as deacons) would like to encourage each and every one of you to consider how you might continue to give during this tough time – faithful giving is as important as ever as we work to support our community and our church family in this crisis. Hebrews 13:16 says, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices, God is pleased.”
You might be asking how this might be possible, when there is no physical offering taking place. Here are some great ways you can still give:
⦁ PAR – If you haven’t already signed up for this, now would be the perfect time! A printable form can be found on our website under ⦁ About Us / Information ⦁ &⦁ Policies. This allows an amount of your choosing to be automatically withdrawn from your bank account on a monthly basis.
⦁ Bridge App – This app currently accepts credit card donations. (they are in the process of adding a debit option).
⦁ Donation envelopes – Feel free to continue placing your donations in your envelopes and simply save them to bring with you when we are able to resume our regular weekly services
⦁ We are working towards being able to accept e-transfers. Once we have more information on whether this is possible, and the process for same, we will be sure to communicate this to you.
The Deacons at Mountainview wish to thank you for your consideration and for partnering with us as we bring hope, healing and good news in a broken world!