Pastor Eaton Hope Grant of Greater Life Community Church is reaching out to the Bradford community, to let them know that he and his church are available for support throughout these unprecedented times.
“We are in isolation, but we’re not isolated,” he said.
And although physical distancing measures are put in place for the safety of everyone, he acknowledges it can be difficult for some people to adjust to the new norm.
“We were designed for community and connection,” he explained.
But thanks to technology, people are still able to connect, whether through phone, video or e-mail.
The Greater Life Community Church usually meets every Sunday morning at the Bradford Library, but have since moved to a live stream online.
With the pandemic, his advice is to not feed your fears.
“What you feed grows. Feed your faith, not your fears,” he advised.
He suggested taking breaks from watching the news, and focusing on having faith in God.
“There is a faith, which is a confidence and assurance that we have, that God is in control. Not WHO, not the doctors, and when we put our faith in God, then we trust God to lead us through this,” he said.
Since taking his church services virtual, he says there have been a lot more people joining in, including people who don’t even live in Bradford.
“This week we had someone that was streaming from New York,” he said.
“If there’s anyone who needs prayer, please let us know, we’re here to pray for the community. We still believe in prayer and that God answers prayer.”
With the government shutting down many businesses, he knows a lot of people who have lost their job or are struggling financially, and wants to make sure no one in the community is without food.
“We don’t have a budget to feed Bradford, but if anyone needs groceries, we are willing to get them a gift card or pick up groceries for them, and willing to help as best we can,” he said.
Greater Life Community Church is well known for their generosity in the community. They host a number of free events each year, including their Thanksgiving dinner and student backpack giveaway every summer before school starts.
Grant is also offering counselling for anyone looking for someone to talk to through these difficult times.
“As a pastor I’m more than happy to spend some time listening, just being a sounding board,” he said.
Anyone is welcome to join in the Sunday church services at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. There are also two bible study classes held online every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m.
You can connect with the church online through their Facebook page here or contact Grant directly by email at [email protected].