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