We all want to be together in person and long to go back to life as we once knew it, that is, the way it was before COVID-19 disrupted our world, our nation, our community and our church. We miss being together, but it’s complicated. The reality is, that even as we prepare to resume a form of on-campus ministry, the provincial health authority asks that we continue to meet online, as the creative expressions (handshaking, hugging, singing, high-fiving, etc.) of a church pose the highest risk for spread of the virus.
Your health and safety are a top priority. We must consider the various factors involved in deciding to reopen, even in a modified capacity, along with the potential risks, especially for the most vulnerable. One thing is certain: when we do return, church will be very different than when we left.

Reopening requires careful planning, establishing intentional and effective protocols that include physically distancing; no handshakes or hugs; masks in the room—possibly even mandated; no food or drink; controlled entrances and exits; sanitization areas; washroom protocols; allotted time to disinfect areas before, after and between services...you begin to get the picture. We expect children will likely be in the room during services as kids ministry and nursery is curtailed. There is a high probability that registration will be necessary for those choosing to physically attend for contact tracing and we will have to plan for a specific number of people to attend, which likely means capping/limiting attendance.

We are well on our way to securing the critical supplies needed to facilitate gatherings (thank you to many of you who have helped in this area). Volunteer teams will soon be recruited and rebuilt, with additional training to safely welcome you back to our building.

While we begin to plan for the resumption of on-campus activities, Sherwood Park Alliance Church will take every precaution necessary to ensure the safety and health of everyone in our congregation and we will continue rely on the directives of the Alberta Health Authority.

In-person gatherings have always been a significant practice in how we worship and care for one another, and now we are forced to approach the way we worship and serve others differently than what we have been accustomed to. It’s hard, but we continue to look for ways we can be together in community and pray that soon, we will be together in person.