Earlier today Council Circle met to discuss the directives that were given by BC Health this past week. Like all congregations, we have to figure out how these directives will be carried out here at Kamloops United Church. (You can read more about this below.) Who would have thought that we would be required not to have any in-person worship and would be figuring out how to continue the important ministry that happens on Sunday mornings? I would like to thank all of the Council Circle Members for the two meetings that we had this past week and to especially thank our Council Circle Chair, Marcia Julian, for her wisdom in shepherding us through what were very thoughtful but challenging conversations.

As far a worship, you will be able to continue to livestream on Sunday mornings by finding us on the Kamloops United Church YouTube page. The wonderful thing about YouTube that is if you miss us Sunday morning, you can always find the service there at any time.

It was an extremely difficult decision to close down some of our church’s ministries and I would like the persons involved in those ministries to know that their work is no less valued because of the closures. Council Circle had many things to consider in its deliberations but paramount was the safety and wellbeing of congregants and people served by Kamloops United Church.

I would like to thank our KUC staff for the above and beyond the call of duty work that they been doing. Also know that staff will continue to work as they have been doing with the strictest adherence to the COVID safety protocols. All office staff can be reached through their @kamloopsunited.ca email addresses whether they are working at the church or at home.

Finally, during these long days, it is easily to become discouraged, feel isolated and alone. Know that you are a part of a much larger family and even though we can’t be with one another in person, you are being thought of by others in prayer.

Again, as many people are self-isolating, should you require anything please do not hesitate to let the church office know.

Blessings and peace,

Michael