COVID (Page 2)

It seems that most things concerning COVID-19 have become divisive. The trend seems to be worsening as new measures are introduced, then mandated, then enforced in an effort to stop this latest respiratory virus around the globe. The latest controversy surrounds mandatory vaccinations or vaccine passports. Division continues to rage within the broader church along (mostly) the same lines as last winter’s  restrictions on the gathering of the church. One of those topics of controversy is whether there is a…

I’ve created a letter requesting a religious exemption from mandatory medical procedures. This letter can be used for school or employment if they are requiring you to take the vaccine against your conscience and beliefs. The letter is based on a statement produced by the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches and modified with their permission. You can print this out and I (or Alex) would be happy to sign. To read more about religious accommodation in Alberta you can read from the Alberta Human Rights…

Over the past week, I’ve received numerous requests for help and prayer on mandatory vaccines. Alberta Health Services is requiring all their staff to be vaccinated by the middle of October. Employees of the federal government (and federally regulated businesses) have a similar requirement. Several provinces have recently announced that vaccination will be required to access a number of services. While details have yet to be released, it was announced that anyone traveling by plane or train is also required…

Yesterday’s announcement of mandatory vaccinations for federal government employees is shocking. Another “conspiracy theory” has come true. The government also announced that vaccines will be made mandatory for air travelers and passengers on interprovincial trains and cruise ships. Business and places of learning are following suit. What is the reasoning? About 5.7 million Canadians who qualify to get their first dose are not getting it. The government fears that the predicted fourth wave anticipated this fall will overwhelm the healthcare…

The following is a collection of articles, sermons, and interviews that tell our story as we sought to faithfully navigate COVID-19 and its surrounding issues. Tim Stephens March, 2020 Knowing very little concerning COVID-19, we decided to cancel our services and for me to address our church via livestream. http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/coronavirus-covid-19-update/ May, 2020 I wrote an essay to prepare us to open our church and set the course for our continued obedience to Christ. http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/The-Re-Gathering-of-the-Church.pdf August, 2020 Two articles addressing masks…

Introduction This is now my 17th day in prison. I’m in prison because I’m unwilling to compromise my convictions before God and allow the state to dictate the manner of worship and fellowship in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Imprisonment is a painful experience. You are away from all of your loved ones and much of life that brings pleasure and purpose. There are physical, mental and spiritual challenges to be faced each day. Yet, my experience in…

Introduction Equipped with the bible, and in a cell 23 hours a day, you can read a lot of Scripture. Of interest, of course, are Paul’s letters written from prison. In fact, the Bible has much to say about imprisonment in both old and new testaments – something that stands out as I read it in my present circumstances. One portion I want to draw to your attention is when Paul speaks about the shame of imprisonment in his second…

Grace and peace to my beloved brothers and sisters at Fairview Baptist Church. I bring you greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the one who loves us and gave his life for us. He is the great sovereign king who is building his church for our good and his glory. My heart is full of joy as I hear of your steadfastness and love for the Lord Jesus. God is sanctifying you and the gospel is going…

Mr. Premier and MLAs, I write this from my jail cell in the Calgary Remand Centre. The past week I’ve missed my wedding anniversary and Fathers’ Day. My children will remember this Fathers’ Day as a time when they wept over the phone as I did my best to stay composed before other inmates while expressing my love for my children. Your government has wrongfully put me on the horns of a dilemma. Either I forsake my convictions before God,…

To my brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters at Fairview Baptist Church, I love you with all my heart and long to be with you again in face-to-face fellowship. I pray for you all each day, asking God to strengthen your faith, grow your love for each other, and to make you steadfast and immovable in your calling to put Christ above all. I thank God for you as it’s been reported to me that you’ve shown such love…

To Premier Jason Kenney and the UCP Party, Thank you for working for the good of Alberta. Mr. Premier, I and many others in my circles supported you, helped you create the United Conservative Party, and then become our Premier. I watched your victory speech on election night. You ended your victory speech in this way: “Alberta is an idea. An idea of a society that believes deeply in the dignity of the human person, and in a great tradition…

Our provincial leaders announced new COVID19 restrictions Monday evening. These restrictions have been introduced in an effort to reduce transmission of COVID19 to avoid the risk where hospitals across our province may be overwhelmed. Under these new measures, churches are limited to a maximum occupancy of 15 people for (at least) the next three weeks. From the beginning of the COVID19 crisis, I’ve written a number of articles addressing some of the most pressing issues we face as a church. Our course…