Dear Friends,
As you may or may have not heard by now, the Pacific Mountain Region of the United Church of Canada recommended on Monday, March 16th that Communities of Faith and Ministries do not meet for services for the time-being. In response, the Leadership Council of Ladner United Church has decided to suspend all church gatherings for the time-being. We will not be holding in-person worship, small groups, or events. User groups have been notified that the church is closed to all gatherings. The only exception being 12-step programs; each of those groups will be making their own decision as whether or not to gather during this time.
As much as we may have expected this to come, it’s still a bit of a shock and a hard thing to process. There will be a number of adjustments made in the coming weeks as we figure out how God is calling us to be during this uncertain time. Regardless of our situation, we are still the church and a community of people who can be in touch with one another, support each other, pray together, and participate in worship. There are ways to continue connecting, deepening, and engaging with ourselves, one another, our neighbours, and God in the days and weeks to come.
Below, are a few updates for how we plan to proceed as a community of faith:
Worship
On Sunday mornings, you are invited to join us via Zoom for our Livestream Worship at 10am through your telephone (landline), mobile phone, laptop, or Ipad. If you are new to LUC and wish to join us for worship, please know all are welcome! Information and links on how to connect to Sunday Worship is provided through our weekly newsletter. If you are not on our email or paper mailing lists, please email office@ladnerunited.org or call 604 946 6254 to be added.
During the week, Lydia, Marcus, and other lay leaders will be sending various readings, prayers, hymns, and reflections. These will come in the form of videos, audio recordings, and messages several times a week (think “deconstructed worship service”) through Facebook, Instagram, and e-mail. The idea is that by sending items multiple times a week, everyone may feel more connected.
If you are interested in participating in any way, please let Lydia know (minister@ladnerunited.org). It would be wonderful to hear as many voices as possible as we gather in these new ways.
Phone Tree
A phone tree has been developed. A lay-leader will call and reach out to every person in our congregation so that everyone is connected to our community.
In addition to the phone tree, you are invited to call one another and check-in. We don’t want anyone to feel lonely and isolated during this time. Having connection is so important in situations like this.
Providing a Helping Hand
If you are available to pick-up groceries, medications, etc. for those who are unable at this time, or are in need of someone to pick-up these things for you, please contact the office at (604) 946-6254 or office@ladnerunited.org. We will connect people with one another, so everyone is supported and cared for.
Pastoral Care
If there are any pastoral concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to Lydia. She’s available at (604) 946-6254 and minister@ladnerunited.org.
During this time, if you are able to still give, we would appreciate it. Our church is still functioning and in need of support. You can give through PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance) or send envelopes to the church office. However, if you are struggling financially during this time, please take care of yourself and your family first. We want everyone to be secure, healthy, and safe at this time.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. As much anxiety as there is, please do know that we are not alone in all of this. God is with us, walking alongside us, as we navigate this new terrain.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact the office at (604) 946-6254 or send an email to minister@ladnerunited.org.
God be with you,
The Leadership Council of Ladner United Church
(Sue King, Ryan Hall, Yvonne McKenna, Sandy Watson, Bob Sisler, Don Ross, Iris Scott & Lydia Ruenzel)