The insurgence of the COVID-19 outbreak is bringing more changes to daily life in our province.

Health authorities have ordered cancellations of events with 250 people or more in attendance, and although previously places of worship were not included in those restrictions, it looks like local churches are ahead of the curve, heeding the advice out of compassion for those most vulnerable.

Lead Pastor at Okotoks Alliance Church, Terry Lee says the changes are coming rapidly these days and they are preparing to hold worship services online instead of in person.

"Every six hours or so, you get sort of another update from public health authorities." he added, "So we were going to just minimalize contact in our services but decided in light of more recent developments that we need to go an exclusive on-line offer of our services with this Sunday and the next," said Lee.

Lee says they are streaming services on their Facebook page and large churches in Calgary are also going online with services.

You will be greeted with a wave instead of a handshake at the Full Gospel Church in Black Diamond as they have opted to hold services with some alterations. They will initiate social distancing as well as bulletins will be available for people to pick up instead of handing them out as well as having hand sanitizer available.

Coming together during times of uncertainty brings comfort and encouragement to those in communities affected by the recent coronavirus pandemic and the freedom to worship is foundational for many people in our community.

Lee says changes have come rapidly in the past few weeks but encouragement and comfort will continue, even if it's on-line.

Health Authorities are continuing to assess the health risks in Alberta and updates are coming daily.

Churches around the foothills are making adjustments to services and those wanting to participate are asked to contact their local church for updates as the situation could change rapidly in the coming weeks.

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