A Message from Pastor Greg: What do the new NB Covid directives mean for BSBC?
Dear Church Family,
On Tuesday afternoon I attended a Zoom call with the leaders of our denomination and other pastors regarding the new regulations for vaccine-screening that came into effect in the early hours of today. In summary, here is what I learned:
Sunday morning worship
We do not have to screen for proof of vaccination on Sunday mornings for church time ministries. Given our Sunday, Sept. 19, survey of the congregation revealed that 93% of those present were double/fully vaccinated, we are exempt from this practice. The provincial government will be releasing a Faith Community FAQ (frequently asked questions) with specific direction for our church family.
Screening outside of Sunday morning worship
We are required to screen all individuals that seek to enter the church premises, asking that they provide proof (electronic or paper) of their double/full vaccination OR certificate of exemption from vaccination.
The government website reads: Proof of vaccination may be provided by showing an immunization record or a photograph of an immunization record from a regional health authority clinic, pharmacy or Public Health. New Brunswickers can also show proof of vaccination by using the MyHealthNB portal. People who have been vaccinated outside the province may provide proof of vaccination from that jurisdiction. A QR code that can be displayed on a phone to prove that New Brunswickers have been vaccinated is expected to be available in about a month.
These new regulations state that those without such proof should not be allowed entrance. This will be in place until further notice.
Masking
Beginning today, Wednesday, Sept. 22, masks will be mandatory for all indoor church activities — any day or time of the week.
The plan
Those of you who come to the church for specific ministries will be screened by a designated member of that group (as opposed to screening at the main door, as will be the standard during office hours). The designate for your ministry will keep a record of those who have been screened so that you should not need to repeat this again the next time you arrive for that that group or ministry. However, you will have to do this for each ministry, group, board, committee, team that is meeting in-person at the church.
I imagine that there are few people in our province who are looking forward to this new addition to our day-to-day existence. Yet, we will seek to be compliant with the requirements as they are stated and continue to hope that the FAQ will offer some latitude going forward. I'll be sure to let you know.
Staying connected
I encourage leaders at all levels and activities to seek ways to keep people connected during this period. Perhaps a move to online engagement or in-person/online engagement would be possible. The press release is clear that groups meeting in private homes are exempt from such requirements. As well, outdoor activities are exempt. For some weeks coming, Youth Group on Friday evening will be outdoors to avoid the need to screen.
Special Business Meeting
These regulations will be in place for the Special Business Meeting TOMORROW, Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7pm. If you are attending in person, please plan to use the main doors of the sanctuary to avoid creating a line for those who will be coming that night to attend the GriefShare group. They will make use of the Connections Center doors.
Remember, you can attend the meeting online by contacting the church office in order to receive the Zoom link. Those attending on Zoom will have the opportunity to come to the church and cast their ballot from 6:45am until 2pm on Friday. The result of the vote will be released by email late Friday afternoon.
Finally, the new regulations also require those entering the province without double vaccination to isolate for 14 days. Last week, reading the announcement, I reached out to Nikki Leftley, asking her to share her vaccination status. She replied that she was scheduled to receive her first 'jab' on Wednesday, Sept. 15. Nikki had assumed unrestricted in-country movement as she anticipated her trip to New Brunswick, scheduling her first dose for her second day back home in Ontario after a summer job in rural Saskatchewan. For this reason, Nikki is not able to come to Fredericton as planned and will attend the Special Business Meeting through Zoom (following the precedent set with Pastor Ross).
We are called to pray
So, friends, these are the latest details about life at BSBC as of the office opening this morning. Let me just say that I recognize and have heard firsthand from people who are, for diverse reasons, struggling with these new regulations. In my email, sent on Saturday evening, I ended by saying that as believers we are called to neither judgement or ridicule but to love. I ended by also indicating that we "intercede" — please let me clear about what I mean.
From my perspective, the word "intercede" is synonymous with prayer. Prayer, I believe, is the heart of the ministry of Christ's church. We are called to pray for those who are in authority over us and for ALL people (I Timothy 2: 1-2). Whatever is on your heart in response to this season in our province, take it to the Lord in prayer (Philippians 4:6) as the means to finding the path to peace. And finally, embrace the truth of Isaiah 41:10:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Greg
