Online ExperiencesSundays, 9am, 10:30am, 12pm
Due to precautions around COVID-19 situation, we’ll now be meeting ONLINE on Sundays for a while.
Due to precautions around COVID-19 situation, we’ll now be meeting ONLINE on Sundays for a while.
We will be diligent to post any relevant and pressing updates that impact Central or it’s members here.
Dear Central Family,
We pray this email finds you and your family safe and healthy! We know these last few days have become a stressful time for everyone, and with things seeming to change hour by hour, we want you to know we are here for you. And that will not change. What does change, is how we make ourselves available to you and to this community that we love.
HOW ARE WE RESPONDING?
First and foremost, as a church we are letting 2 Timothy 1:7 be our guide: We will not give into fear, but rather we will invite God to give us His strength, wisdom and love to be the church at its best. We are committed to 3 things:
Secondly, we are complying with the directions and guidelines set for us by both our Provincial and Federal Governments. Those guidelines have been clearly outlined for us this week, with the announcement that there are to be no large gatherings of over 50 people – even this number is decreasing daily.
WHAT ABOUT SUNDAYS?
We will still celebrate Sundays together with you!
However, until this ban has been lifted, all of our Sunday morning experiences will be held ONLINE ONLY. Please join us online at centralcc.ca/watch during our regular services times [9am/10:30am/12pm] every Sunday. No matter what, we’re committed to continuing to have uplifting experiences that are inspiring, and hope filled. This, church family, is truly a unique and powerful opportunity to invite your friends and family to “watch online with you” even from different locations. With so many canceled community events freeing up people’s time, it’s never been easier to invite someone to church!
KIDS, YOUTH & FAMILIES – WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!
Our Central Kids team will be providing content for you each week, so that kids of all ages can continue to grow and learn and experience God in their own way. This will be updated each Sunday at centralcc.ca/kids. This includes Warehouse (Grades 6-8), Kidopolis (Grades 1-5) and Clubhouse Preschool/Kindergarten. Follow along on Instagram @centralcc_kids and @warehouse.cym for updates and fun activities as well.
Central Youth will be having a variety of online meetups, video devotionals, online groups, online hangouts/challenges. Hit them up on Instagram to stay in the know @centralyouthmovement.
WHAT ABOUT CARE?
In a time of uncertainty, we are still certain about one thing: The power of the Church being the Hope of the world!
Our response to this is to add additional resources to how we facilitate care during this season. What does this mean?
Right now, our Ministry Care Team is also working hard on creating Care Kits that will be available for those in greater need during this time.
If you have an urgent need, or would like to get involved in helping distribute these Care Kits, simply text the word ‘help’ to 905-937-5610, email care@centralcc.ca or contact your area pastor directly.
GROUPS…ARE THEY STILL A THING?
The answer is yes – absolutely!
We want to stress the importance of following government guidelines and practicing social distancing and so we are suspending all live and in person community and interest groups at this time. However, we are working diligently to help our valued Group Leaders offer online groups through technology like ZOOM, Google hangouts, Skype, Facetime and other means. We will be announcing new Online Groups meeting throughout the week, including groups that will meet online Sunday mornings using our Sunday Experience as a springboard for discussion. We will be tailoring those experiences to allow for prayer, discussion, and connection in order to stay unified during this time.
If you are part of a small group, take the initiative to check in on one another. We all need to be part of encouraging together. If you are not currently involved in a group or would like to lead an online group please email groups@centralcc.ca or visit centralcc.ca/groups.
SHOULD I CONTINUE GIVING?
We believe strongly in this principle of generosity that God designed as a core function of what makes the Church the hope of the world! While our focus on how we do things is changing, we are not shutting down.
In this season we need each other more than ever. We are asking that if you are a regular Giving Partner, to continue giving as you are able. And if giving in this way is a new thing for you, there’s never been a better time to see the beauty of generosity begin!
The easiest and preferred method of giving is through one of our two electronic methods – online credit card and online banking. Simply head over to centralcc.ca/give. If you have questions or concerns about how to give or need to give in another way please call our office 905-937-5610 ext. 221 Monday to Friday, 9am-4:30pm or email accounting@centralcc.ca.
IS THE CHURCH OFFICE OPEN?
As of this past Monday, for the protection of those most vulnerable, our church offices have been closed to the public. During this time, our staff will still be available to you by phone or email, as they are all working hard to continue to serve our Central Family and region, but simply from other locations. For all staff contact information head to our website centralcc.ca/contact.
WHERE CAN I GO TO FIND UPDATES?
We will continue to update you over the next few weeks through email, social media and our website. For the most current updates head over to centralcc.ca/updates.
Finally, as mentioned, Pastor Bill encouraged our staff this week with 2 Timothy 1:7, “… For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and sound mind.”
Let’s continue to pray for our Central Family, our Niagara Region, and our Canadian Government Officials as they navigate our great country through this ever-changing time.
Let’s be the church!
Central
March 12 – Response to COVID-19