The Church of the Good Shepherd has cancelled its Potluck Supper scheduled for March 21, and has taken several precautionary measures in response to the coronavirus. 

Pastor Daniel Bernier said that the supper was cancelled because the large gathering of people, all bringing food from their homes, could have been a potential risk for spreading the virus. The supper will be rescheduled at a later date.

Bernier also said that the church will no longer be distributing communion through a cup, but will still offer communion bread. Parishioners must also use hand sanitizer before stepping forward to receive communion.

The church also serves meals to those in need on Thursday evenings. Bernier said that the church will now transition to providing people with take-out meals, rather than hosting them for dinner. 

In addition to the cancellation and adjustments, the church has advised parishioners to take precautions to keep everyone safe.  

Bernier stressed that parishioners should stay home if they feel sick, and that it is okay to miss a service if they feel it is necessary. 

He added that the church is increasing its effort to clean surfaces to prevent the spread of germs. 

Overall, he described the church’s precautions as “an emphasis on using our common sense,” and looking out for everyone involved. 

In offering advice to others, Bernier stressed the importance of not allowing fear and anxiety to take over, but to take all the safety precautions needed to limit the spread of the coronavirus.