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About this News Post

Our mission at Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church (VAPC) is "One in Christ, Reaching Out to Many".  VAPC's response to the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) event enacted steps to reduce transmission (limit gatherings, social distancing, etc.).  Indeed public worship and day-to-day church operations are suspended until we receive direction otherwise from Alberta's Chief Medical Officer.  Despite these restrictions, we still have a mission to meet and must find new ways to "Reach out to Many" while strictly complying with government mandated restrictions. This post sets out what you can do to continue this mission.

Stay Informed and Comply

GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA

The Government of Alberta has declared a state of emergency.  Refer to the Government of Alberta - 'COVID-19 info for Albertans' website (click here) daily and follow all guidance provided.  Remember, VAPC is a community of care and we must take all precautions to keep seniors and those with compromised health safe.  This extends to our congregation, our neighbours, our extended interface to other communities of care.

CITY OF CALGARY

The City of Calgary has declared a state of emergency.  Refer to the City of Calgary - 'Response to Coronavirus' website (click here) for additional restrictions and limitations.

Make Connections (BUT DON'T MEET IN PERSON)

CONGREGATION

Find opportunity to reach out to others in the congregation.  You might have your usual contacts, but consider opening up the church directory and pick someone you might not know or regularly speak and make a new connection by phone.  When speaking, check to see if there are needs that are not being met.  For now, these needs can be forwarded by email to the office (office@vapc.ca).

In the coming days we will have an updated congregational contact list that will be exchanged directly (personal information will not be posted online). 

COMMUNITY

We need to check in with our neighbours as well.  Give a ring to the neighbours next door both to check in on them, but also to ensure they have your contact information.  Similarly if needs are not being met, see if your local network of neighbours can satisfy the need.

Become Tech Savvy (or Savvier)

PHONE

Some in our congregation can only be reached by telephone.  Let's make sure this is not a barrier to staying connected.  Pick up the phone and keep in touch.

 

EMAIL

Some folks in our congregation might have lost their connection to their email account (forgot their ID or password and are not technically savvy enough to figure out how to fix the problem.  If someone is in this predicament but can still gain access to a web browser (on a computer, on a tablet, on a smart phone) then VAPC can give folks a personal @vapc.ca email address to help them stay connected.  We can then help them by telephone to access their email.  If you know of anyone in this situation, have someone with email access contact Glenn Stewart (stewardship@vapc.ca) and he will help folks get back online and connected by email.

 

VIDEO CONFERENCE

Google Hangouts

If you have followed along with the 'COVID-19 Response - Latest Update' news post, you will be aware that the church groups (Session, COVID-19 Response Working Group, Stewardship, Finance) are meeting via video conference.  We use 'Google Hangouts Meet' to schedule calls which connects up to 25 participants at one time. 

On a computer, participants need a web browser, camera and microphone.  On a mobile device (tablet or smart phone), participants need the Google Hangouts app.  In the coming days we will start to help others join similar calls as we find new ways to connect.

Zoom

Zoom is very similar to Google Hangouts.  The Youth Group are using Zoom to meet.  Here is a YouTube playlist of various instructional videos that can help you get online and start using Zoom (click here).

 

GROUP CHAT

WhatsApp

Are you an Apple user?  Do you use Android?  These two worlds struggle to interconnect well.  To bridge that gap most of the world uses an application called WhatsApp.  WhatsApp is a smartphone application where you are identified on the app by your mobile phone number.  When you download WhatsApp and set up a free account, send an email to office@vapc.ca or stewardship@vapc.ca and they can add you to the group chat.  This might be helpful in keeping in touch more regularly through the week.

 

WHAT THE YOUTH ARE LOOKING AT

Prayers & Devotionals

" O my God, relying on your infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins and the help of your grace." Amen

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For the same measure that you us, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38

Help us, Lord Jesus, to hold steadfast for prayer, Relying on the word of God, in all despair,  That are hopes in you will ever increase, while our doubts and fears slowly decrease. Help us, Lord, to be a light of hope to those in need. To be an example of your hope and mercy, and to tell others of your great grace and glory, Amen.

Concerts

  • Alice Bowman - 6pm - Twitch
  • Stella Explorer - 8pm - Twitch
  • Fred Hursch - 12pm - Facebook
  • Jason Crosby (Piano) - 12pm - Facebook
  • Ship and Shore - 1pm - Facebook
  • Melissa Etheridge - 4pm - Facebook
  • Metropolitian Opera: Wagner's Das Rheingold - 5:30 pm - Met Opera  website

Music

Study Music

Study Tips

Pocket Board and Card Games

This day in history

Mythbusters - Baseball Myths

Word History - Crash Course - Excellent Series!

Feature History

Smarter Every Day - Exploring the world through science

 

God Bless

Ministries
Leading with Care