Good afternoon, Friends, Family and Members of Emmanuel Church,
It is with sadness and with an abundance of caution that the decision was made on Friday afternoon to cancel this Sunday’s worship service and for all Emmanuel services and activities to go virtual through the rest of January.
Based on the numbers of people getting COVID (including members of our community) and the conversations I have had with the leadership at Emmanuel the decision to go virtual feels good and logical. I have chatted with Music Worship Leaders, Front Line Workers, and Leadership, and we are all leaning the same way.
The Provincial Ministry of Health will be implementing new guidelines around January 18th and January 30th. As we monitor the number of infections, we will decide what will happen for February. We recognize that the AGM is slated for February 5th, and we will let you know whether that is only Virtual or a hybrid version.
Our Sunday services for the rest of January will go back to being video recordings. Our offices will remain open but the hours will change slightly to help accommodate for Joel’s role in putting together the virtual recordings at home:
Monday – Thursday: regular office hours, 9-5:30
Friday: Joel out of office; Fran and Rachel will likely be around, but call ahead of time
With the short notice, there will be no recording for this Sunday – January 9th. I would encourage each household to set aside some time that is solely for you and the LORD. Here are some of the Scriptures that would have been part of the service on Sunday that you can find in the bulletin. You might also like to look up some of the music to listen to it. I tried to include a really nice collection of music to allow you to sit, listen and also watch the visuals that others have shared. Blessings to each of you as we Worship with our Yahweh, yet once again, in our own environments. Remember the church is not the building – it is us. 
A special activity bulletin for kids, as well as your regular bulletin are still attached. If you look at the bulletin you will see that these are all parts of what would have been the service – please take time to reflect, enjoy and hear God’s word.
Morning Has Broken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0TInLOJuUM Cat Stevens
Isaiah 55:1 – 2
Come, Christians, Join to Sing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEpjJMW0lZY
Open the Eyes of My Heart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wutmEjdbedE
The Word of God is Solid Ground – not able to find an online version, sorry.
God of the Bible – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRz0MDfq8Fg
The Lord’s Prayer – Matthew 6: 9 – 15
The Lord Lift You Up – https://www.facebook.com/bethelcollegemennonitechurch/videos/the-lord-lift-you-up/173641240615001/ – Bethel Mennonite Church
Benediction: 1 Thessalonians 2:16 -17
Blessings to All,
Fran Hofenk
Interim Lead Administrative Pastor