Gatherings this Fall – Sundays and more

Fall is almost upon us and there are a few items that we’d like to put on your radar…

In-Person Distanced Sunday Gatherings

We are excited to be providing the option to gather in-person again starting September 13! It has been a long season of meeting online, and while our online gatherings will continue we will also be meeting in person again for those who are able to do so. We are currently working on all the logistics to make the in-person gatherings safe for whomever participates. We will be taking all necessary precautions mandated by the government and health officials, and taking some extra measures to ensure a safe environment for all.

More details will be forthcoming, but everyone will be encouraged to stay home if they display any of the symptoms or are in a vulnerable category. Additionally, hand sanitization stations and masks will be utilized, seating will be set up seating in a physically distanced manner, the space will be sanitized before and after each gathering, and we will be limiting the number of people and the activities that take place in the sanctuary.

Mark your calendars – September 13.

Also, there will be a meeting for parents and guardians of kids and youth to discuss options for moving forward. This will be Sept 13 at 7pm at the church. If you are unable to attend there will be questions circulated in advance for your input.

House Groups

House Groups will be important in the next season of church life. We need to be together. Some of us may not be able to gather physically, others may choose only to have a few people in their “bubble”, but wherever you are at, if you want to be in a House Group, we’d like to make that happen. Watch for more info on how to sign up in the coming weeks.

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Course

One of the groups that will be meeting throughout the Fall will be using the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality material that we piloted last year. The material is designed to become a regular part of the rhythm of discipleship in churches. We won’t be running a concurrent sermon series on it this year, but if you missed it last year, this is your chance. Let Andrew in the office know if you are interested.

You can find out more info about Emotionally Healthy Spirituality course here.

Image credits:

Photo by Inside Weather on Unsplash

Kenny & Edna’s Funeral

We have been able to secure a date for the funeral of both Kenny Lacquette and Edna Sinclair. Because they are both from the same family (Edna is Kenny’s mother) we are going to celebrate both of their lives together at the same time – honouring each separately, but during the same service.

Friday, September 4, 10am at the Vineyard Church, 782 Main St.

Interment to follow at Brookside Cemetery.

Please note that the funeral service will be live-streamed to WCV’s Facebook page for those who are not able to attend. Also take note that priority seating will be given to family.

Because of the health and safety guidelines associated with Covid-19, this funeral will adhere to all government and health authority regulations including physical distancing, hand sanitizing, masks, and limited capacity (70 people max – 30% of normal occupancy for the space). Please also note that there will be no meal or refreshments served due to health and safety restrictions.

Comments and condolences posted below are appreciated and will be shared with the family. Let’s remember to pray for all those who are grieving the loss of Edna and Kenny. It has been a difficult time to lose a loved one. Each will be missed and remain cherished.

Kenny Lacquette (Aug 29, 1963 – Feb 20, 2020)
Edna Sinclair (Mar 27, 1941 – Mar 24, 2020)

Thanks Vanessa!

This week marks the end of an era. Vanessa Koppanyi (Lewis) will be moving on to a new job and finishing as our Administrator and Bookkeeper on Friday. Vanessa has served in our office since 2015. She began as a receptionist and administrator and in 2018 bookkeeper was added to her portfolio. Over the past 5 years Vanessa has served faithfully, with integrity and a smile. She has worked diligently, learned quickly and has never shied away from extending grace, hospitality and prayer to the many who have walked through our doors.

Thank you Vanessa! We wish you all the best in your new venture!

Andrew Chan will be taking over Administration and Bookkeeping responsibilities officially starting August 31.

Photo by Courtney Hedger on Unsplash

Community Input for Fall Planning

Dear WCV Community,

At a recent Elder’s meeting there was a keen sense that WCV is about to turn a corner out of the turbulent waters of the past few years. “A new thing springing up” (Isaiah43:19) is a word for us in this season. This is super encouraging, but we still need to lead well, especially given the current Covid realities. So we need to know where you are at and how you are feeling regarding a few of the key elements of our regular community rhythms: specifically House Groups and Sunday Gatherings. 

The writer of Hebrews encourages “don’t give up gathering together.” (Hebrews 10:25). How do we not give up gathering given the corporate restrictions in place? What should we do given the broad spectrum of needs, requirements and experiences in our community? What should we do with our kids? These are all questions we’re wrestling with. This season requires us to be nimble, flexible and creative as we seek to follow Jesus as best we can. 

Would you take a moment to answer 5 survey questions (they can be as simple as yes or no answers)? Your responses will inform plans for the Fall. One thing we know for sure is that House Groups will be vital in order to continue to grow and pursue what Jesus has for us. Also, we are looking at starting up physical in-person gatherings again soon while both adhering to all the current protocols as well as continuing our online live-feed broadcasts. 

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

>>Complete the survey here (opens in a new tab)

“I am creating something new. There it is! Do you see it? I have put roads in deserts, streams in thirsty lands.”

Isaiah 43:19 (CEV)

Photos by Alexandre Grégoire on Unsplash, Jon Tyson on Unsplash