• Pregnant mothers who want to wait until their child is born.
  
• Nursing Mothers who are waiting until their child is on solid foods.
  
• Parents who have a family history of adverse reactions to vaccines.
  
• Teenagers who are feeling pressured by teachers.
  
• Government employees who have lost trust in their leadership.
  
• Nurses who are concerned that vaccines are still in the test phase.
  
• A variety of other people who just want a bit more time to decide.

We believe in the Biblical principles laid out in Romans 13 to “be subject to the governing authorities.” (13:1) However, we have been faced with the realization that the physical health benefits do not justify the discrimination that our culture has entered into. Specifically, within two Biblical considerations:

I. Our Unity: The Body of Christ are not all Vaccinated

• 1 Corinthians 1:10 - “I appeal to you…that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
• Galatians 3:28 - “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

II. Our Mission: The Lost are not all Vaccinated

• Matthew 28:19-20 – “…make disciples of all…baptizing them…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded…I am with you always...”
• Romans 10:14 – “…how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”

For these reasons, there is a barrier to obeying the proof of vaccination mandate.

2. On the Other Side of This Discussion:

The consequences of disobeying government mandates would have a substantial impact. When we consider the $5000 fine per offence, we realized (1) the crippling financial impact it would have on ministry, and (2) the risky evangelical impact it could have on our Gospel mission. At this point, while under a temporary mandate, we were left with two more Biblical considerations:

I. Our Resources: Church Leaders should be discerning about the future.

• Luke 14:28-29 – “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost…Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him…”
• Romans 13:5-8 – “…one must be in subjection…authorities are ministers of God…Pay to all what is owed to them…Owe no one anything, except to love each other…”

II. Our Witness: Church Leaders should be guided by the Gospel.

• Colossians 4:5-6 – “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious…know how you ought to answer...”
• 1 Peter 3:15-17 – “…always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…”

For these reasons, there is a barrier to disobeying the proof of vaccination mandate.

3. A New Discussion and (Lord Willing) a Path Forward:

It is a hard place to be when you realize as a church leader, you can neither obey nor disobey the government. It forces you to pray, fast, and meditate, desperate to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice. In that moment, a familiar conviction rises, spoken throughout the pandemic: “My Church is not a building.” In that whisper, we realize that millions of Christians all over the world face far greater oppression than we do in this moment, and thrive!

• In the church abroad, in countries where public gatherings are illegal, how is the Gospel spreading, and how are churches worshipping without church buildings?
  

That whisper also brings a remembrance that The Church has been here before. That it “grew from a group of twelve disciples to over thirty-three million people in just 350 years, and by AD 400 more than half of the entire population of the Roman Empire were Christians.” (M. Clark, The Problem of Jesus, Pg. 289)

• In the early church, while under heavy persecution, how did thirty-three million people find Jesus and grow in their faith and discipleship without a church building?
  

Although convicting, perhaps God is revealing something to us? Perhaps He has been revealing it throughout the pandemic? Both the early church, and the church abroad have two things we lack, or may have completely lost in the modern Western church, bringing about two final Biblical considerations:

I. Our Hospitality: Have we lost the ability to invite and host outside the building?

• Romans 12:12-16 – “…be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them…Live in harmony with one another.”
• 1 Peter 4:8-10 – “…keep loving one another earnestly…Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another...”

II. Our Sacrifice: Have are gatherings become too convenient and comfortable?

• Romans 5:3-5 – “…we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame…”
• Galatians 6:9-10 – “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up…let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

For these reasons, we should gather in homes during the proof of vaccination mandate.

We will continue online gatherings until the Yukon Government’s potential end date of December 3, 2021, for Emergency Order #21-444. During that time, we may see our prayers answered with (1) the exclusion of worship services from the proof of vaccination mandate, or (2) the inclusion of corporate worship as an essential service. If neither of these takes place, starting on Sunday, December 5, 2021, “we will gather in homes during the vaccination mandate, to be reviewed if and when the situation changes and/or new direction is being given.” (Motion, 2021-11-18 Mountainview Church Board Meeting Minutes)

We should cling to Jesus’ words, that “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn. 13:35) We understand that it takes planning and effort to host another family in your home on a weekly basis. Even so, the benefits that come from showing each other love in this way, far outweigh the work involved. By choosing to embrace hospitality and sacrifice, our homes can become churches.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Norton, Lead Pastor

Mountainview Church

November 9th, 2021 COVID-19 Update

Dear Mountainview Church Family,

On Sunday evening, I was relaxing in my chair, reflecting on a rewarding day of ministry, and looking over my weekly calendar. One of the meetings that I was nervously anticipating was booked in for Tuesday (today), with a handful of local evangelical pastors.

The goal of our meeting would be to pray about, discuss, and Lord willing, formulate a collaborative response on a potential shift for our churches, set to launch on November 30th. There had been whispers of a vaccine mandate for all faith-based gatherings, which could significantly impact our role as pastors. Up to this point, our government officials (specific thanks to Patricia Living), had maintained great lines of communication with faith leaders, so we hoped they would seek our insight before launching such a mandate.

Last night, everything suddenly shifted.

As you all know by now, the Yukon Government rolled out the new mandate 3 weeks earlier than anticipated, which included faith-based gathering restrictions of “maximum 50 percent of venue capacity with proof of vaccination required; seating limited to individual households with physical distancing between households”, and “mandatory masking in all indoor public settings".

Needless to say, this morning’s meeting with that handful of pastors shifted considerably! Instead of working through hypotheticals, we were forced to discuss our current realities, starting as early as this Sunday. There wasn’t much discussion about mandatory masking, 50 percent capacity, or encouraging households to sit together. There was, however, a unified concern expressed on restricting any segment of our community from attending corporate worship.

We concluded with plans to meet with our lay leaders.

I had already called an emergency Pastor-Elder Team meeting for this afternoon. We prayed, then I relayed everything discussed that morning. At least one local church had already published an official position, which we reviewed and discussed. We talked through a number of potential alternatives and outcomes but realized that the time to ask for alternative options had not been given in the Yukon.

We considered the situation from a First Century church perspective, as well as situations of illness and infection throughout church history. Biblically, one could pick and choose verses. Theologically, it’s been debated on hundreds of church leadership blogs over the past two years, with no concrete answers.

In the end, we came to two conclusions:

1. This is a new, and complicated journey for the local church.

2. This mandate feels rushed and we need more time.

So, Mountainview Church will pause and pray.

We will continue filming, but we will pause all physical gatherings for the next two weeks, temporarily moving back to online and at-home gatherings. This will give our Elders more time to pray, discuss options with our Board, and carefully evaluate our next steps. We must seek the Spirit’s guidance and discernment at this moment.

I strongly encourage you for the next two weeks, to connect with another household for Church-At-Home. Please contact that family with who you frequently share life, and have church together. Break bread together, and pray together for all levels of leadership, from our local church to territorial officials.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mt. 11:28)

This is the verse that came to me late last night as I stared at the ceiling, struggling to fall asleep. For some reason, it gives me a mental picture of John, “the one whom Jesus loved” resting against his Lord at the communion table. (Jn. 13:23)

After today, I think a lot of us long to be John; longing to rest on Jesus. Though physically separated for a time, may we corporately rest on Him together, and unite in prayer. If you have any questions or concerns, or specific requests, please don’t hesitate to email our Pastor-Elder Team.

Peace,

Jeremy Norton

Lead Pastor, Mountainview Church

(867) 335-7524 or jeremy@mountainviewwhitehorse.ca

August 2021 COVID-19 Update

Dear Mountainview Church,

When the pandemic first broke, the slogan, “Your Choice at Your Pace” became the starting point and the vision behind our Physical Gathering Strategy. Early on, as a Pastor-Elder Team, we realized that there was a diverse spectrum of fear and anxiety related to the virus, as well as wide variety of opinions and positions related to restrictions. We thank God for giving us a middle-of-the-road approach, that has served us well over the past year and a half.

This Sunday marks the most significant shift toward full reopening that we have seen yet, and I am excited to present the following changes to our physical gatherings at 9:30 and 11:00 AM.

1. Masking: Masks and/or face coverings are no longer required to attend our physical gatherings. That being said, if you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, you are free to do so; your choice at your pace.
2. Registration: Registration is no longer required upon entry into our physical gatherings. We realize that there was discomfort for some in recording of personal information. Now it’s your choice at your pace. (CAVEAT - Registration of children, parents and volunteers for our BASECAMP program will remain.)
3. Gathering Size: Social distancing is still encouraged, but gathering size is no longer restricted to a certain percentage. Starting this Sunday, seating will be adjusted to pre-pandemic rows, available for your choice at your pace. After 1.5 years we all know what social distancing looks like, so let’s adjust our behaviour accordingly. We’ll continue to provide video options for those who prefer Church Online or smaller Church at Home gatherings with friends and family.

Grace & Respect

Yesterday, I interacted with a number of people as they processed and adjusted to the lifting of restrictions. Some embraced the freedom whole-heartedly, some were cautiously optimistic, and others are personal convicted to keep all restrictions.

Clearly there is still a wide variety of opinion, preference, comfort, risk, tolerance, etc. How should we respond?

With grace and respect. We need to enter this moment understanding and accepting that we may step on each others toes from time to time…choose grace. We may hear a differing opinions on how we should be responding in this current moment…choose respect.

Jesus & Gospel

I believe the Apostle Paul’s encouragement to the Philippian Church could have been written directly to Mountainview Church in this moment.

• “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own…one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way…”(Philippians 3:12-15a)

As our personal bubbles (either physically or ideologically) begin to shrink over the coming months, let’s lean into what we agree on, and what we’ve clung to throughout the pandemic.

• First, that Jesus is still King and in control. He will unite us and sustain us if we let Him.
• Second, that the Gospel is still our mission as individuals, and corporately as a church.

May we focus our attention and conversation on these things.

Peace,

Pastor Jeremy Norton

Lead Pastor, Mountainview Church

1. Public Speaking (Preaching) Protocol: “You can preach without a mask…As long as you are not roaming the church speaking…”

• This Sunday I’ll be preaching live at the 9:30 and 11:00 AM gatherings…and I will remain on the stage. :)

2. Socialization Protocol: “From a social group perspective we are saying stick to six to keep groups small...a discussion group, up to 20 indoors, spaced and masked (until Aug. 4)...”

• This Sunday feel free to socialize in small groups of 6 people before and after the service, spaced and masked up.
• Organized discussion and prayer groups, ministry meetings and Bible studies can meet in groups of 20, spaced and masked up.

3. Mask Protocol: “…this is only for another two weeks…if possible that congregants remain masked during the service.”

• This Sunday, masks should remain on unless eating or drinking.

What about gathering size, children’s program, and live worship?

As of now, our gathering size is still limited to 1/3 capacity for social distancing. That being said, we have not yet hit our maximum of 58 in the auditorium at a 9:30 or 11:00 AM gathering. So, if you’re ready to reengage physical gatherings, we’d love to have you!

For BASECAMP and Worship, we are still lacking the volunteer base for (1) children, (2) music, and (3) tech to facilitate programming on Sunday mornings. Therefore, the relaunch date for these ministry is still scheduled for the Fall.

That being said, if you are willing to commit to one Sunday each month, starting in August when the state of emergency is lifted, please contact one of the following ministry leaders:

• Children Ministry - Megan Klassen: megan@mountainviewwhitehorse.ca
• Music Ministry - Jeesu Sohn & Elizabeth Istchenko: music@mountainviewwhitehorse.ca
• Technology Ministry - Bryan Walter: tech@mountainviewwhitehorse.ca

Is full reopening a possibility for this Fall?

We have all learned that infection rates and variants can change restrictions from one week to the next. This past week has been perfect evidence of that. Nevertheless, our leadership has tried to remain unified with our health officials, while striving forward with our Gospel mission.

We pray now, that God may heal both the illness and polarization in our territory. We also pray that a full reopening may be possible by the end of the summer. And Lord willing, we look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving Sunday together at the Arts Centre in October. I am certain we would have much to be thankful for!

Peace,

Pastor Jeremy Norton

Lead Pastor, Mountainview Church

Unfortunately, the news was not favourable. We received notice that our COVID-19 prevention protocols should be tightened back up. Which in turn, restricts some components of our Sunday physical gatherings. In our attempt to adhere to Yukon Health requests, and maintain unity with our local health officials, we are requesting the following:

Updated Mask Protocol: “Masks should be worn at all times…even during the sermon.”

• This is a shift back from our previous directive of being able to remove masks once seated (and not singing or speaking).
• Beginning this Sunday, masks should only be removed while eating or drinking, then placed back on.

Updated Socialization Protocol: “Impromptu socializing before and after the faith gathering should be strongly discouraged.”

• This is also a shift back from our previous directive of social distanced socializing (small groups) with masks.
• Beginning this Sunday, socializing in small groups should happen outside of the building.

Updated Public Speaking (Preaching) Protocol: “A mask should be worn while preaching.”

CAVEAT - There was significant push-back from a number of faith leaders on this protocol for two reasons:

1. Many elderly and hearing impaired congregants need to see the lower portion of a speakers face to understand what is being communicated.
2. There can be significant breathing difficulties for a speaker orating for 30-40 minutes while masked.
   • An example was given whereby Dr. Hanley removes his mask when giving public updates even though other officials and media personnel are in the room.

• This protocol is now under review and pending revision.
• However, beginning this Sunday, we will be moving back to video preaching for the two reasons listed above, until the review and potential revision is complete.

Other Notes of Interest

• Regarding timeline, it was asked if these restrictions would last until Thanksgiving, or even Christmas. (No timeline was given other than, “We’re hoping for weeks and not months.”)
• Our Wednesday night film team can continue as we have been. We have never stopped our pre-recording process, so that system will continue each and every week.
  • If you’re willing and able to join us to set-up or take down equipment, read scripture, or help in another way, email me at jeremy@mountainviewwhitehorse.ca.
• Please continue hosting Church At Home groups with your bubble of friends and family. We will continue to provide content and discussion questions every week. Please continue prioritizing church-time as a constant in your lives.
• The church building is still open for those who prefer to attend physically. Our gathering maximum is still at 1/3 capacity, 59 people in the auditorium at 9:30 and 11:00 AM.

We’ve been here before.

This was my first thought this morning as I got out of bed, knowing that I had to write this email. Then as I poured my coffee, it was there again, “Jeremy, we’ve been here before.”

On some level it’s a depressing statement, reconciling with the fact that we’re jumping through the same hoops, yet again. Equally, it’s an optimistic statement because we know these hoops, both what they look like and how they feel as we pass through them. Yet, it’s not lost on me that “being here before” isn’t compelling enough to keep us all jumping (for joy) through these hoops…I needed something more, and I’m sure you do as well.

Coffee in hand, I sat down and asked the Lord to give me something encouraging to hold onto to, and to write to you in this message. He led me to Psalm 125:

• “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” (Ps. 125:1)

There it was. With that Scriptural promise God completed my initial statement: “We’ve been here before; trust in Me.”

All of a sudden I realize that it’s not about a self-centric pep-talk. It’s all about Jesus; He being at the centre of this whole journey. When we trust in Him, we move past our earthly understanding toward the eternal. It helps us get a bigger, better, and perhaps (whether we want it or not) longer perspective on the pandemic and all the hoops we continue to jump through as we move back and forth through the various phases of restriction and reopening.

Today, this week, this month…and maybe even for the rest of the year…may we choose to trust in Him, so that we will not be moved, and may abide in Him in this moment, and forevermore.

Sincerely,

Pastor Jeremy

Lead Pastor, Mountainview Church

Then I started to get conflicting messages.

Not long after putting out our cancellation notice, I had some communication with other pastors who were receiving conflicting recommendations. At least one of them received a direct message from Dr. Hanley’s office that faith-based gatherings were not included in the new restrictions. (Instead, that churches would fall under the same guidelines as restaurants, for example.)

Like I said, I was confused. So I emailed Dr. Hanley’s communication lead, Patricia Living directly, and received the following message back this morning:

• “No changes have been recommended for faith-based gatherings at this time and they can carry on as long as adhering to the guidelines in place for them. An organized event references something like a concert, a retirement party, outside wedding etc.”

What does this mean for Celebration Sunday?

Well, we’re back on of course! As per the recommendations we’ve been given, adhering to the protocols we have in place, physical church gatherings will remain open for the foreseeable future.

This includes Celebration Sunday! Clearly we have demonstrated safe operation over the past year to remain open. So we give thanks to Dr. Hanley for allowing churches to be exempt. And we give praise to Jesus that we can gather digitally or physically this weekend! 

I’m really sorry for the back and forth!

I realize the frustration of closing and re-opening our physical gatherings within a two-day period. I am so sorry for any disruption to life and planning that it may have caused you.

It was definitely a confusing situation. Especially when recommendations for faith-based gatherings don’t seem to be included in Dr. Hanley’s public updates. That considered, and moving forward, I will make sure to check in with his office before we take action again.

Thank you so much for your patience with me and our leadership team as we continue to navigate this COVID-19 journey. I am now looking forward to Celebration Sunday even more, whether we connect online or in person!

Sincerely,

Pastor Jeremy

Lead Pastor, Mountainview Church

Of course, this comes as a disappointment for many us, especially disappointing as this week is our Celebration Sunday. Our physical gatherings were really gaining traction again. And it was great to see so many familiar faces, and even some new faces on Sunday mornings.

Nevertheless, after speaking with our Board Chair and Elder, Mark Shore, we have decided that the best course of action is to follow what has been asked of us, postponing Sunday physical gatherings until further notice.

What about Wednesday filming?

Thankfully, we’ve been here before, and we have a great system in place, so we’re going to continue doing what Jesus has called us to in this moment. If we stick to our 10 person maximum with masks, we’ll be able to facilitate and upload a digital gathering experience each and every week.

And if you’re not on the Wednesday night crew, pull the pyjamas and waffle-maker back out…it looks like Church at Home is back!

What if I’m exhausted and frustrated?

I hear you. I get it. And I feel it too. But we have to keep reminding ourselves of who is ultimately in control…Jesus! He is still on the throne. And He’s the King we need to to turn to, cling to, and call out to in this moment. We might not always feel like it, but we can choose to lean into Him.

Consider the Apostle Paul’s words to the Roman church:

• “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
  

I know it’s difficult, but let’s choose to be a people who rejoice in these trials, knowing that we’re being built up for our benefit and for His glory.

Looking forward to chatting with you online this Digital Celebration Sunday!

Peace,

Jeremy Norton
Lead Pastor, Mountainview Church