From the Elders to our CBC Family,
As you know there has been serious concern over the spread of COVID-19. In recent days it has been reported that there are several Windsorites who are presently being tested for the virus, as of writing this notice, all those tested have been found negative[2]. The risk-assessment in Windsor-Essex remains low[1].
Because COVID-19 spreads more easily among large gatherings, we have a responsibility to our church and community to consider the best course of action in regards to our future weekly gatherings. As we assess and reassess in time to come, our response will be determined by the following factors:
- Our biblical mandates as a church.
We believe it is our biblical mandate to meet together for corporate worship and to maintain community life (Heb 10:24-25).
- The health and welfare of our congregation.
We have a responsibility to care for the weakest among us. Including the sick, elderly and those with preexisting conditions which make them more susceptible to sickness (Matt 25:35-40).
- Respect of the guidance issued by the Canada Health Agency.
We believe the proper relationship of the church to the government is one of respect, honour and compliance whenever possible (Romans 13; 1 Peter 2:13-17). - Maintaining a testimony as responsible members of our community.
We recognize that in some cases, our community has responded to this outbreak with fear and anxiety. For this reason, we want to ensure that our weekly gatherings are not perceived as irresponsible or endangering to our community (Col 4:5).
In considering all of the above, our highest priority is to honour the Lord Jesus Christ who is the ultimate head of all things to the church (Eph 1:22).
GENERAL PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
Ontario’s chief medical officer presently suggests avoiding gatherings of 250 people or more[2]. We will continue to gather for our usual services with the following precautionary measures in place.
- If you are immunocompromised, immunosuppressed or with significant comorbidities (like heart, lung disease or diabetes) we strongly advise you to avoid large gatherings. We recommend you avoid our weekly gathering for the next 2 weeks.
- If you are feeling ill (fever, cough and shortness of breath) and/or think you have been exposed to COVID-19 please follow recommendations as laid out in http://bit.ly/cbccovid-19. Please stay home if symptoms are mild and if moderate/severe call your doctor or go to the ER.
- Please notify the elders of CBC so that we can be aware of possible exposure within our congregation and so that we can lift you up in prayer.
- Please notify the elders of CBC so that we can be aware of possible exposure within our congregation and so that we can lift you up in prayer.
- If you are concerned and feel you may be put at risk of contracting coronavirus by coming to services, you are not obligated during this time to come to services. Our services will be posted online the day of, or day following our gathering.
WHEN YOU ATTEND CBC
At this time, our gatherings will continue as usual with the following recommendations.
- Clean your hands often (washing with warm soapy water for 20 seconds)
- Use hand sanitizer as needed
- Avoid handshakes and other physical contact
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
As long as COVID-19 remains a concern in our community we would like to take additional steps in cleaning/disinfecting our facilities, especially those surfaces considered “high-touch”. Please consider volunteering.
Although the risk-assessment in Windsor-Essex remains low, we understand the situation is fluid and we will continually reassess our response as circumstances change. If you have any questions or concerns please let the elders know. Please consider receiving your information and guidance from official sources such as the Canada Health Agency[3] and not from social media or news sources which may be prone to hype and hysteria.
Your Eldership Team,
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7
[2] https://globalnews.ca/news/6672452/ontario-health-official-coronavirus-events/
[3] https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
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