** Updated March 19, 2020**
Garden Park Family,
I pray that during these changing days that all of us are abiding in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As it says in John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” The leadership team of Garden Park has been monitoring the ever-changing situation daily and with the call to social distancing we feel that it would be best to close our church services at Garden Park for the next 2 weeks. We will continue to evaluate as the time goes on.
Praise God that in today’s day and age we do not have to stop meeting together as there are other platforms for us to gather! Starting this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. we will be using Facebook Live to stream our service. Please join us at https://www.facebook.com/gardenparkchurch/
If you’re concerned about sending in your tithe, please make arrangements with Ted Kuffner.
God Bless
Love, Pastor Terry
**Original Post**
Dear Garden Park Family and Visitors,
As you all know, we are experiencing something in the Covid-19 virus that is quite unique. It has created situations for many of us we have never experienced in our lifetime. Things are changing every day and rapidly. Our verse this week from John 14:27 said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
There are lots of perspectives on how bad or challenging this will be. We have seen many events in the world and now in Winnipeg postponed or even cancelled although some events have continued. For now, we are planning to keep both our worship service and small groups going. We will keep you updated of any changes. We appreciate you praying for wisdom for the Church leadership.
We have made some reasonable changes that you will notice. Greeters will be fist or elbow bumping rather than shaking hands or hugging and we ask that you do the same when greeting one another. At the coffee/tea counter, our helpers will serve the coffee to you upon request (please do not bring your own travel mugs or go behind the counter). The offering will be taken by having you place your offering in the allocated baskets rather than passing them. We are asking that people especially the kids wash their hands more frequently. Teachers will take the kids to wash their hands before their lessons. Also, a note for parents: we have removed all the toys from the children’s area due to sanitizing concerns. Our team has made an extraordinary effort to sanitize door handles and surfaces that are frequently touched. Also, we have implemented a few other minor changes like these.
If you or anyone in your family feels sick – Please stay at home. Our senior adults are the most vulnerable in this time and we want to protect them and anyone who attends Garden Park Baptist Church.
Most importantly, we have the greatest hope in the world to give. Our vision statement says “that Garden Park Church is here to help people to discover and develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through worship, prayer, teaching and serving. We will continue to do this. See you Sunday!
Pastor Terry
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Tim 1:7