Groundswell is trying new things
New Ventures have been quick to try new things in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and new social distancing practices. Here’s a story about what one community has been doing.
Groundswell Church had been working on their livestream for the past several months, so they were prepared for that first Sunday when their community could not gather due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, given this new situation and complete self-isolation, their team now streams worship and the message from different homes in the area.
In terms of small groups, Groundswell groups have been gathering virtually through Zoom. A prayer meeting will also be setup, so people can all meet online and break into smaller groups to pray together. As Cyril Guerette reflects on this new reality, he shares that, ‘ we hope to use this technology to actually bring us closer together spiritually as a church even as we are spending less time face to face.’
Cyril teaching over livestream.
As they consider the difficulties this pandemic has brought for many, the Groundswell team has set up a "Compassion Fund" to help those who are struggling within the community. With this designated financial fund, they will be able to support those in in their church or greater community who have lost work or income as a result of this. The hope is to also meet any others rising needs whether financial or otherwise.
Cyril and the Lead Team are in discussion about the need to find ways to keep track of all the people in their church community. An important question has been raised: How will they find out if anyone needs their help right now or might need it in near future? This New Venture want to keep from letting people fall through the cracks and they feel a duty to make sure their whole church body is being cared for. With this in mind, they are working to create a centralized status table with a list of all families in the church, what their health, financial, and personal status is, when they were last contacted and by who. As leaders, they want to know who is in their church network and how they can help one another. The lead team has asked their community to keep them aware of any needs they see arising in the community around them.
As he considers the church’s response to this very stressful time, Cyril says, ‘ We all will feel less anxious when we know how other people are doing and that we will be cared for if it happens to us.’
Do you have an encouraging story to share about something new Jesus is doing in your community in response to the COVID pandemic?
Encouraged by the new things God is doing at Groundswell?
Here are some ways you can join them on mission:
Pray for Groundswell.
Pray for Cyril, the lead team and the community of Groundswell as they find new opportunities to care for their community!
Consider a financial gift.
All donations received are processed through Canada Helps and will receive a tax receipt. The funds go directly to the New Venture Apprentice to be used toward their development and ministry needs.
Visit the Groundswell church profile here.