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SUMMER 2021
Connection
ONLINE MINISTRY
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God’s Faithfulness in North Bay
levels of anxiety. Initially, North Bay seemed to be avoiding much of the disruption. Then, just before Easter, North Bay, too, was forced to endure what the rest of the world was expe- riencing. Calvin had to close its doors and was unable to have parishioners attend services. So, what to do?
Through a small but dedicated group of volunteers, Zoom services were refined each week in a “trial by fire” approach. Through Zoom, ministry teams met regularly. We continued to enjoy weekly worship, baptisms, communion, book studies and special celebrations to honour members. We also enjoyed telling the Christmas Story—although in a different way—and provided two Christmas Eve services. Through God’s provision and the congrega- tion’s support, this unexpected capi- tal project was generously funded.
“Parking Our Hope in God,” a pro- ject started in 2019 to create a new parking lot to serve a busy church, came to its conclusion in 2020. Through God’s provision, the con- gregation’s generosity and the ef- forts of many, this project culminated in the fall with a parking lot service of dedication. We felt God was with us!
While many were concerned about food and toilet paper because grocery stores had empty shelves again, Cal- vin, through God’s provision and the congregation’s generosity, brought food and paper products to Nipiss- ing University and Canadore College
Advent bags packed and ready for delivery.
“Reverse Advent” food drive delivery to the Canadore College Student Food Bank.
By Mark Savill, Communications Team Leader, and Keith Pacey, Finance & Stewardship Team Leader, Calvin Presbyterian Church in North Bay, Ont.
As the year 2019 ended, Calvin Presbyterian Church in North Bay, Ont., was enjoying meaningful wor- ship, engaging book studies, chal- lenging sermons, a growing LOGOS children’s program, a new Congre- gational Care Team, a very effective Mission and Outreach Team, and a clean, safe, up-to-date facility that enabled ministry in and through Cal- vin, North Bay. God was with us!
2020 started with enthusiasm. Calvin was enjoying the blessings of a well-defined ministry plan and teams working to fulfill ministry goals. God was indeed blessing the congregation. But something was stirring that would force Calvin to look at how we ministered in a fun- damentally different way.
With the promise of spring came a worldwide pandemic.
With much of the world starting to implement social distancing, travel restrictions and lockdowns, and fi- nancial markets in turmoil, many people were experiencing heightened
Online “Bible Bingo” with the LOGOS children’s program.
An outdoor skating party—the last event before facilities were closed.
food banks, and provided continued support to Hope Awaits Ministries Men’s Shelter and The North Bay Gathering Place Food Kitchen. God was with us!
Through God’s provision and the congregation’s generosity, the Con- gregational Care and Christian Edu- cation Teams joined forces and, with the help of a few elves, were able to pack and deliver Advent pack- ages to every member’s household. Throughout the pandemic, even in periods of lockdown, the Congrega- tional Care Team helped to provide special goodies for some of the peo- ple who have been unable to join our Zoom worship services. They also collected and delivered lap blankets so that a warm Christmas hug could be shared with senior members of the Calvin family. Individual families kept in touch with others, safely, through phone calls, emails and spe- cial deliveries of homemade treats. All these activities have been won- derful opportunities to connect with each other in a more personal way. God was with us!
The year 2020 saw most of our ministry teams working together on multiple projects. Vibrant wor- ship and music services (with many
original songs and virtual guests) and a virtual LOGOS program were mainstays throughout a challenging year. We assisted with special pro- jects in Costa Rica and continued to participate in the Lettuce Reach Out program. We continued to support PWS&D, Presbyterians Sharing, the Salvation Army, the Warming Centre, various food banks and the North Bay Recovery Home. While observing all COVID-19 protocols and restrictions, our building continued to welcome daily recovery group meetings. God was with us!
One notable blessing is that we have been in touch with more “Cal- vinites” week by week through email and Zoom services than we were before the pandemic started. God is with us!
Although 2020 was a challenging year, God has been and continues to be with Calvin, North Bay. Through God’s provision and the amazing generosity of the congregation, we have been guided to new ways to do ministry and to reach out to God’s people. God is indeed with us!
To learn more about activities at Calvin, North Bay, check out the year-in-review video available at calvinnorthbay.ca.