Resources and Community Initiatives In Response to COVID-19
By now everyone is aware of and attempting to keep up with the ever-changing situation with the COVID-19 virus. We're truly living in unprecedented times. With school closures and online learning being quickly activated, travel bans and restrictions and reductions or closures of many Island businesses, this has left many wondering what we can do as a church. It's important how best to respond to a community that will need help and how to support people most affected by this public health crisis.
Firstly, we do not ever want to succumb to fear. As the church, we have an opportunity and responsibility to spread hope in a time of uncertainty. Any decisions we make must be careful but never fearful.
Philippians 4: 4-7 "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
We also believe in prudence.
Proverbs 12:15 "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice."
We want to always listen carefully to medical experts, specialists and other church leaders. We're aware that there is misinformation all around us, thus, since we are not experts in the spread of a virus, we have sought to read and listen to all the reliable sources available to us.
To proactively serve our community, we've attempted to compile a list of resources for families, those needing prayer, those reaching out for help, and people seeking more information about COVID-19. This page will be updated as often as needed to continue to keep you informed.
How to respond as a church?
We are in this together! There are many ways that we can be helping and supporting people in this season. Your continued generosity as members and attenders of Grace will allow us to be the hands and feet of Jesus as you give to your local church. Details on the many ways you can give are explained on our Giving page.
How Can We Help?
Food Pantry: We are working to ensure we have a supply of non-perishable groceries available to those in need. As requests are received, boxes of food can be placed outside for pickup.
In light of COVID-19, we know that many in our community may be facing varying levels of practical and spiritual need. If you're struggling and want prayer, please reach out to us so we can pray for and support you.
Spiritual blogs and resources from CCEF, a trusted source in biblical counselling.
Pandemic Resources from the Association of Biblical Counselors - Free resources from ACBC
WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP ENTERTAIN OUR KIDS?
With schools, daycares, and childcare centres closed to limit the spread of COVID-19, our staff in Kingdom Kidz want to be a resource for you in this time and equip you to make the most of this season!
Visit our Kingdom Kidz facebook page where we will provide both interactive and video learning resources for your children.
Also connect with our Youth Ministry social media for regular updates, encouragement and activities that will be shared each week.
Stay tuned to our social media platforms for opportunities to connect.
For more specific or tangible monetary support, the government has sponsored this initiative through two specific organizations:
Where Can I Find More Info About COVID-19?
In order to stay informed, we have been going right to the source for all of our information concerning this pandemic. We recommend that you stay well informed with the facts. Instead of trying to publish data that will quickly become out-dated, here are links to helpful resources at their source.
Federal Government COVID-19 Response Summary - VISIT HERE
For the Government of Prince Edward Island update and recommendations, VISIT HERE.
For the PEIHS COVID-19 Online Screening Tool, VISIT HERE.
For the PEI Provincial Support Services, VISIT HERE.
For the latest updates from the World Health Organization, VISIT HERE.
RENEW PEI TOGETHER- Latest Strategy by the Provincial Government for Reopening Safely
Here is our Fellowship's official statement of hope for all Canadians!