Power to Change – Students (P2C-Students) is committed to modeling the way of Jesus in this time as we follow the directives of our public health officials in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have put measures in place to keep our communities and our neighbours healthy and safe, while continuing to pursue the mission that God has given us. Read more about P2C-Students’ initial response to COVID-19, as well as a mid-summer update.
Student Ministry
As we enter a new school year, we will continue to adapt our ministry activities and outreach in light of changing environments and needs of students. As we do this, the heart of our ministry remains: helping students know Jesus. Our staff will continue to journey with students and lead our campus communities through virtual formats, and will pursue alternative opportunities, including online fall conferences and online Alpha groups.
We must consider the local public health guidelines, as well as the rules and operations of individual universities and colleges. These all impact how we can conduct our ministry activities this year. If our staff and students do choose to meet in person for any ministry activities, these guidelines will be followed in order to keep our staff, students, and communities safe:
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Physical distancing of 2 meters to be observed at all times (with anyone outside. of your family or social bubble)
- Minimize touchpoints on surfaces.
- Wash hands often and avoid touching your face.
- Have a face mask handy, and wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible.
- All public in-person events hosted by P2C-Students must be vetted by HR to ensure these precautions have been thought through adequately.
- If food is served at a public event, it will be done safely, following proper hygienic requirements.
Online “Launch & Lounge” Event
On Sunday, August 30 at 4 pm PDT or 7 pm EDT, P2C-Students will be hosting an online event called “Launch & Lounge” for both new and returning college and university students interested in connecting with our community. Students across Canada will gather to gain hope in Christ for the school year and meet other Christian students from their school.
This two hour event will be streamed live on our website at http://p2c.com/students/live/, as well as on the P2C-Students Facebook Page and the P2C-Students Youtube channel. The first half is streamed live; the second half will be on various local Zoom calls so students can make connections with fellow Christians.
Online Alpha
This summer, P2C-Students organized online Alpha groups, which provided a space for students to explore the Christian faith and discuss openly in a small group. In the fall semester, we will start several more online Alpha groups across the country as a means of doing outreach, providing community, and answering questions that students have about God, Jesus, and faith.
Alpha is open to seasoned Christians, seekers, and new Christians wanting to better understand their faith. It is a great opportunity for students to discuss how to make their faith their own, as well as providing a way for Christian students to have spiritual conversations with non-Christian students. We are trusting God to do something amazing in this season through Alpha, even though it is online.
Online Fall Retreat
Each fall, P2C-Students usually hosts various fall retreats in different locations across Canada. This year, we will be doing two online fall retreats, or “Virtual Summits,” at the end of September: one for Eastern Canada and one for Western Canada. These events will include teaching, workshops, and worship, with the purpose of equipping and sending students out to the mission field at their respective colleges and universities. Our hope is that students’ eyes would be lifted to see how their circumstances connect with God’s kingdom, and how they can take steps of faith to reach others for Christ.
As a ministry, we are doing what we can to help and support our students in this difficult time. We continue to journey with students as they discover Jesus, and help them take their next steps towards him.
Thank you for your support and concern. We covet your prayers, not only for the post-secondary students to whom we minister, but also the staff of P2C-Students as we lead through this challenging time. Even amidst these disruptions, we know we have been called to this work of helping students know Jesus and calling them to be part of God’s mission in the world. Pray with us for these different initiatives that accelerate the mission of God across the country. We trust that God is present and working through these current circumstances.
If you would like to give towards our ongoing efforts to bring hope and meaningful ministry opportunities to students throughout this upcoming school year, you can give online at p2c.sh/givesept2020 or contact our Partner Care team at 1-855-722-4483.
If you have any questions, you can message your local staff (for students involved with our ministry) or e-mail hello@p2c.com.
If you would like to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in P2C-Students, you can follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) or subscribe to our monthly emails.
– Andy Smits and the National Leadership Team of P2C-Students