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Dear friends in Christ, The coming weeks and months of this pandemic are going to be financially difficult for many individuals, businesses and non-profits. Churches will likewise be affected, and are in some ways quite vulnerable, as they lose rental income, as well as a decrease in offerings through Sunday morning collection. 

St. John the Divine finished last year and entered 2020 in a strong financial position. While I have faith that we will make it through this time, this will still affect us. 

We received good news this week, however, as the Diocese of New Westminster announced an aid package to assist parishes through this period. Some of the measures will directly benefit St. John’s:

         “The suspension of assessment payments for 5 months – from April 1 to August 31, 2020 for all parishes”·         “diocesan payment of the salaries of all stipendiary clergy through the end of May, 2020…”·        

Follow this link to read the full report:

https://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/news/diocesan-council-approves-financial-assistance-for-parishes 

I give thanks to God for the leadership of Archbishop Melissa Skelton, and the whole diocesan council, for this incredible decision. This is a huge support that, I hope, helps us all take a collective breath. However, this does not take the responsibility off us. We are still called to be generous and faithful stewards of all the gifts that God gives us. 

Therefore, I encourage you, if you are able, to continue to make your pledge or offering to St. John’s. In addition, if you can make a special gift to St. John’s at this time, it would be greatly appreciated. 

To help with this, we have set up two new ways to give: 

1.      INTERAC e-transfers. We are now accepting e-transfers sent to give@squamishanglicanchurch.ca 

2.      Tithe.ly. This online platform is made for church giving. You can download the Tithe.ly app, or go to the webpage linked to our website: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/1314879?widget=1 

To read more about these, or other options to give, go to our new DONATE page on the website: https://www.squamishanglicanchurch.ca/pages/donate-to-st-john-the-divine-squamishIf you have any questions, please be in touch with the office.

Both of these ways of giving are safe and easy – I have personally tested both of them. I invite you to join with me in trying out these new platforms!

We are, of course, not only asking but offering help during this period, and if you or anyone you know needs assistance, please get in touch and we will do what we can to help, or connect them with someone who can.   

To that end, I was happy to drop off a cheque of just over $1,000 on your behalf to Helping Hands, from our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and Auction. It was very gratefully received.   

This is a crucial time for organizations like Helping Hands and the Squamish Food Bank; they predict that there will be “unprecedented demand” because of the effects of COVID-19. Therefore, the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation has committed to match any donation to either of these organizations up to $15,000. If you can support, please do: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/47381 

It is important that in times of trouble, as followers of Jesus, we look to the vulnerable in our society and see him there; that we share what we have.  

Take heart. Be at peace. Be well. Be safe. Be kind. Be love.

Know, dear friends, that you are in my prayers.  Yours in Christ,  

The Reverend Cameron Gutjahr