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Upcoming Events...

(Please Note: ALL SERVICES & CHURCH ACTIVITIES ARE CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE)
We welcome you to be a part of what is happening at EPT!
Join us Sundays for our worship services at
10am & 6:30pm. We also have Adult Sunday School @9am and Kids Church Sunday mornings after our worship, and the weekdays are full of activities for everyone.
Whether you are just visiting or live in the area and are searching for a church to be involved with, drop by and check out our Sunday Service.

EPT Church Family

Most of you are probably aware that the Coronavirus has been declared a “pandemic" by the World Health Organization. What does that mean exactly? Basically, it means they recognize the virus has spread to nearly every continent, and that it has the potential to spread to a large portion of the population. The result of that announcement has been the restriction of travel to certain parts of the world, and the closure of sporting events and places of large gatherings where attendance is in the thousands. Some areas, where infection numbers have been high, local authorities have limited gatherings to less than 200 people. This has seen the closure of some schools and even church services, for the next two or three weeks, in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.

As a province, the government has declared that starting next week, March break will be extended to three weeks, instead of one (to the delight of many students I am sure), and two Canadians, who were being held in quarantine at CFB Trenton from the Grand Princess Cruise Ship, have tested positive for the Coronavirus. Grocery store lineups have been ridiculous, and for some inexplicable reason (since coronavirus is a respiratory virus) there has been a run on toilet paper.

Our first lady, Sophie Trudeau, has been diagnosed with the Coronavirus and of note, so have Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson. Reports from Canadians who have survived the virus are coming in and are worth noting. Each one reports they suffered a day of elevated fever and a few days of aches and pains with a dry cough, but said that over all, the symptoms were less than the average flu. For the most part, the virus is not dangerous. For those in good health it is merely an inconvenience, but to those who already suffer from pre-existing illness, especially respiratory disease, the virus can be more dangerous, even fatal.

The worst thing about the pandemic, is the darkness it has exposed in humanity; hoarding, reselling commodities at a profit, fear, rude behaviour, and more, have become commonplace.

What can you and I do?

Historically, when pandemics have impacted culture, the church has been at the forefront, serving the sick and being an example of compassion and peace in the midst of calamity. I suggest we do the same today. We are brothers and sisters of the Prince of Peace, we are children of the God of compassion and love. In the midst of panic and fear we can, and should be the voice of compassion and peace.

When your neighbour expresses their fears to you, do your best to alleviate those fears with peace and compassion. Offer to pray for them, and be an example of light in the darkness.

Many have asked me, what we are going to do as a church? Are we going to cancel our services and programs? The short answer is “no”. The church will remain open and Noah’s Ark will continue to be open (UPDATE: NOAH'S ARK NOW CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE). We are suspending meals at the Community Table for three weeks but we will continue to have food available to anyone who is in need. Since, as yet, no one locally has contracted the virus, we can be reasonably confident that us having services is placing no one at risk. However, in the effort to displace fear and in the spirit of common sense and kindness, we would like to let you know the steps we are taking to establish health and peace at this time.

You can let people know that at EPT

· We are dedicated to offering a clean and safe environment.
· Our facilities are cleaned regularly.
· In addition to hand soap available in the bathrooms, we have a supply of alcohol-based hand sanitizers available for use at every service time and location.
· We plan to continue our weekly services but are monitoring the situation and following recommendations from provincial and local government agencies.

As an act of kindness for others, we suggest observing the following best practices for not spreading germs:

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Stay home if you are not feeling well.
· Cover your mouth and nose with your forearm when coughing and sneezing.
· Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time. Use soap and water when possible.
-We encourage you during offering to not shake hands or hug. But instead give each other big smiles!

Share encouragement through scripture. There are many verses you could use to encourage people in this season of fear. It is a great opportunity to explain to people why you, are not worried about Coronavirus or the many other issues that rob society of peace and hope.

In Psalm 46, we are reminded that it is God who is, “our refuge and strength, and our ever-present help in trouble.” Therefore, let us not fear, but with confidence use this opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus through our prayers and our care for others.

2 Timothy 1:7 reminds every believer that, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Let us take that to heart and let us take His love (which casts out all fear) to our neighbors and co-workers. Let us be the church!

Blessings

Pastor Bob, Pastor Anne, Andrea, Jon and EPT leadership.

Flags of the Nations

These flags are located at the back wall in our sanctuary. They represent countries of missions that we support or where we have visited on ministry trips. Remember to pray for the Ukraine, United Kingdom, Dominican Republic, Israel, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Uzbekistan, United States, South Africa, Belarus, Russia, Kiribati, Canada, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Liberia.