Susan McAlpine
April 3,2020
Listen to this update on AUDIO – April 3rd Go Team Updates
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April 3, 2020
Keeping Knox and our neighbours safe and connected during the COVID-19 pandemic is a key priority for all of us. Here are some key updates from the Knox Go-Team and Board for April 3, 2020:
IT’S TIME TO DOUBLE DOWN:
The next two weeks will be critical for COVID-19 infection numbers in BC. Apart from walks in our own neighbourhoods, urgent grocery trips, and critical medical appointments, our government and community leaders need us to stay in our own homes. We can do this, friends. Our essential workers, care workers and first responders are enduring so much for us. Staying home is how we can help them best.
VIRTUAL WORSHIP:
Starting this week, please prepare a candle before worship to light when Rev. Richard lights the Christ candle and the Blue candle for global concerns. This is a way to participate actively in the worship experience.
Worshipping online is easy, even if you’re not a techy. Join us Sundays @10:30 AM on the Knox website home page.
187 people have watched last week’s worship service as I write this update. We continue to refine the online worship model, keeping it in a familiar format, but adjusting the details to improve your experience. Thank you for feedback on what you appreciate and what you would modify.
Zoom fellowship last Sunday was fun! Close to 40 of us gathered, and over 20 people participated in the Wednesday mid-week get-together. It was wonderful to see each other face to face.
We may be confined by COVID-19 for many more weeks, so please maintain your social connections by gathering on Zoom. If you don’t have a device, or you’re especially nervous about tech stuff, you may: Call Josie 604-261-3747. We’ll find you a coach for some one-on-one help! Patient tech support is always available.
WEBSITE:
Please use the Knox website to stay in the loop and to participate in faith practices. Videos and Zoom links will be shared by email and on our website. In addition to weekly virtual worship, the website is updated daily with engaging content.
FACEBOOK:
This week, Tracy embarked on a Facebook page revitalization project — to help us communicate more broadly with our neighbours. Did you know we have almost 300 followers? If you’re not among that group, you can find us here: https://www.facebook.com/knoxunitedvancouver/ Please follow our page, like and share our content, or give us a comment!
GOOD FRIDAY:
Rev. Richard is planning a Good Friday virtual service. Please join us Friday April 10th at 10:30 AM. As always, the link will be on Knox’s website.
KNOX PHONE TREE:
Knox’s Phone Tree is running well. We anticipate that more needs could pop up over the next week or two. The purpose of the phone tree calls is Pastoral: to ask how you’re feeling and check whether you need any help. Just let your caller know, and we’ll do our best to support you.
News and resources and info you may find useful this week (please send us your ideas, too!) are in the attached PDF that is downloadable from this post.
• BC211 – Resources and help for seniors from all over the province: www.bc211.com or dial 2-1-1 from your phone.
• BC Hydro COVID-19 relief fund – Your hydro bill may be waived, reduced or deferred depending on your status: https://app.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/bill-payment/ways-to-pay/covid-19-relief-fund.html
• The United Church of Canada – COVID-19 response https://www.united-church.ca/covid-19
• Pacific Mountain Regional Council – COVID-19 news & updates https://www.bc.united-church.ca/
SPECIAL APPEAL & REGULAR GIVINGS:
Our vision calls us to care for our neighbours, and the Special Appeal is one way we can help. Your gifts will be shared between First United in the downtown east side and the United Nations Refugee Agency. Both are on the front lines of the COVID-19 battle — here in Vancouver and around the globe.
As you know by now, Knox’s expenses have dropped, but so has our income. We’re looking at opportunities through the government, United Church of Canada, utility providers, etc. to remain financially buoyant. We deeply appreciate anything you can do to help in this volatile time. You can give by:
- Mailing cheques (post-dated works well if you want to send a few at once)
- The Knox website Donate button (by credit card)
- Contacting Josie to move to the UCC’s PAR program (a few of you did this recently. Thank you!)
If you’re not a regular giver but are moved by the work we’re doing, please consider sending a gift.
BE SAFE:
Physical distancing and self isolation are the most effective ways to limit the transmission of disease in our community. Our governments, first responders, care workers and immunocompromised neighbours need you to stay home except on truly urgent matters. Their safety depends on it.
If you must go out, maintain 6+ feet of space between yourself and others. Wash your hands carefully and frequently, for at least 20 seconds, with warm water and soap. Refrain from touching your face.
Thank you for your patience and conscientiousness in these exceptional times.
Be kind and understanding, and make conservative choices to protect others as well as yourself.
We exist to love God and our neighbours.
Download for reprint of this update here.