Canada West Mission Centre Statement #7 On Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19)

I cannot quite believe that this is already our seventh COVID-19 Statement! Watch for a new name next week. Although COVID-19 is still “top-of-mind” for us, I want to start transitioning this column into more of a general weekly message from the Canada West Mission Centre to all of our members and friends. Got an idea for a new name for this message? Let me know: steve@communityofchrist.ca
 
There is beginning to be some good news on the virus front. Many jurisdictions are reporting a leveling out of confirmed cases. It will be another week or two before we know for sure if we have passed “the peak” of the situation. We are all cautioned to continue with our social distancing on and health-maintenance practices for the foreseeable future.
 
There have been no new announcements or direction received from Community of Christ world leadership. The official suspension of church services and programs continues to be in place until May 1. Some congregations have indicated to me that they do not plan to open for services on May 3 and are awaiting instructions from church leadership for future weeks. Certainly local restrictions are not likely to be lifted and resumption of services is unlikely any time soon.
 
I have mentioned various program cancellations and postponements in previous statements. I will not repeat those here. They are noted elsewhere in the “Weekly Wire” as well as on the Events Calendar for the mission centre.
 
This past Sunday I know many people took advantage of the opportunity to tune in to the Community of Christ Easter Service. It was hosted in Independence, Missouri, and included participation by members from around the world. In case you missed it, you can view the entire service here: Living Hope: A Worldwide Easter Service  You can also see the service in French or Spanish on the video page of the Community of Christ YouTube site. Many other videos are also available there, including the recent weekly messages to the church from President Steve Veazey.
 
Here is a link to the YouTube video page of the Toronto Centre Place congregation where you can find a recording of their Easter Service: Christ is Risen. This was also an excellent worship experience involving participation by persons from Canada, the U.S. and Europe.
 
Before closing, let me put in a plug for the Canada West Mission Centre’s “Virtual Visiting Fellowship” meetings. They are available via “Zoom” on Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings. For details contact me directly at steve@communityofchrist.ca. These gatherings have proven to be popular opportunities for people to visit with others from across the mission centre (with occasional participants from Ontario and Washington State) and to share generally about what is going on with them in these COVID-19 times.
 
Take care. Stay Safe. Be Healthy. God bless.

Steve Thompson
Canada West Mission Centre President
steve@communityofchrist.ca