DEPARTMENT NEWS
Alberta Conference Ministerial Update
COVID-19 By George Ali
Ministerial Director, Alberta Conference
Mike Willing addressed the unveiling attendees on behalf of Eileen Firingstoney (centre) and Tessa Potts (right), who designed the sculpture and were the primary welders.
Growing Up and Giving Back: Eileen Firingstoney (L) and Tessa Potts (R ) not only demonstrated welding skill and worked long hours to deliver Miweyihtowin on schedule, the MANS student and recent graduate also donated a major gift from their commission proceeds to help fund new COVID-19 safety measures at MANS.
Go to mans1.ca to watch the video of the event, which includes interviews of the student and alumna artist, as well as Willing’s speech. Firingstoney and Potts also talk about their connection to welding in two short videos, First in My House (Potts) and Eileen’s Gift (Firingstoney) in the site’s video section. Willing’s speech is posted in the “Impact Stories” section of the website.
— Lynn McDowell, Director of Planned Giving | Philanthropy
September 30, 2020
T
o date, we have about 80% of our churches open and are doing both face-to-face services and livestreaming. Face-to-face pastoral visitation is limited. However, many pastors and church leaders meet the needs through video conferencing on Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or traditional phone calls. Other services, such as baptisms and communion, require creative approaches that respect the social distancing guidelines. Some pastors have opted to stand outside the baptismal pool while the candidate is inside. After a pastoral prayer and the baptismal pronouncement, the candidate submerges himself or herself into the water. Soon, phase 3 of the COVID-19 health response will open, and things may change. Overall, the churches have been adaptable to the changes required and are generally doing well. However, there are still challenges and a need for some pastors and church leadership teams to plan more adequate worship services. We encourage the churches to follow the Alberta Health guidelines, be cautious, and stay safe.
Unveiling photo by John McDowell
OCTOBER 2020
Alberta Adventist News
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