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Dear Church Family, 

Earlier today it was announced that the PHO in Northern Health would be amended on December 10th at midnight to allow for “In-Person Faith Gatherings” if everyone over the age of 11 showed proof of vaccination and up to a maximum of 50% of the seating capacity.

The Board and Pastors had met and decided previously that should this option present itself we would continue to meet online only. 

Before I expand on why we feel that this is the correct decision, I want to recognize this is so hard. We have gathered together for so little time in the last two years. Online Church is not the same. The fatigue you are feeling from weathering this pandemic is very real. Covid-19 has already taken so much from each one of us. Hear me when I say this, despite all of that, this is not the way forward.

Here are a few of the key reasons why, Prince George Pentecostal Church will continue to gather online only for the foreseeable future:

  1. We are to guard the unity of the Gospel at all costs. The message of unity does not mean living in uniformity. It means that we do not let secondary issues divide us when the message of Jesus brings us together.

Ephesians 4:2-5 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

1 Corinthians 1:10 “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

  1. When one part of the body hurts, we all hurt. Therefore, how can we say who is worthy to worship God in-person when we recognize that gathering online is not the same and a lesser form of a Church service.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13a,25-26  “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body… See that there should be no division in the body but that its parts should have equal concern for one another. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”

Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves”

  1. Finally, if you read through the Gospels we see how Jesus went out and radically loved people, all people. Let’s remember that we too are called to radically love one another and that it is by this love that people will know we are Christians. 

Please understand that what is being asked of churches is not fair. The unvaccinated and vaccinated have been pitted against one another for what can only be a lose-lose situation. 

This decision also in no way reflects or communicates the Church’s stance on whether or not you should get vaccinated. 

We understand and recognize that you may not like it, but we are asking that you respect the incredibly difficult decision your leadership team has made. 

With a heavy heart, that misses each one of you.

Praying the Lord would bless you and keep you, 

Pastor Tiffany and The Board