Friends,
COVID-19 is far from over. While our physical distancing has flattened the curve, infections and even deaths are still occurring. Those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 are in the majority in our congregations, and as such, we need to approach our return to in-person worship with caution. Dr Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical officer is giving us the opportunity for small gatherings, but reminds us of our significant duty of care, and advocates that we do not take unnecessary risks. As followers of a Compassionate God, we value health and safety guidelines to make decisions on how to gather as the Body of Christ.
As a resource for communities of faith to planning for re-opening, we offer to you this two-part guidelines’ document. The first part offers a road map to start thinking about the journey ahead, including taking time to reflect on critical questions to consider what ministry in the next phase of COVID-19 will look like. The second part deals with some very practical issues about being ready to resume, based on the three phases or stages of The United Church of Canada's re-launch plan and current safety and health guidelines. We will continue to update this document as new information becomes available. Presently, I am seeking further clarification on the topic of singing safely.
At this point, Chinook Winds Regional Council is not recommending an expansion to Phase 2, even though the Province of Alberta has indicated that religious gatherings of up to 50 people or one-third of normal attendance (whichever is smaller) will be allowed as of June 1, 2020. It is our assessment that the risk outweighs the benefit of in-person gatherings at this time.
Regional Councils are responsible for making recommendations about reopening. Community of faith governing boards should make decisions based on directions provided by local public health, provincial health ministry and its regional council.
Several churches in Chinook Winds Region have already indicated that they likely won’t consider in-person worship and gatherings until at least Labour Day. Others expect January 2021 or later is more likely to be a full return. In the last two months, our churches have found many ways to be the church without in-person gathering or making use of our church buildings and many of you tell us they will continue such efforts.
Chinook Winds Presiding Officer Helen Reed recently tested out how the Alberta protocols would work in one of her pastoral charge’s church buildings for a requested funeral. Since the building typically hosts, 180 people, she thought the recommended 50 would be feasible. “But then we spent the morning measuring. Keeping the two-metre spacing, our sanctuary holds a tight 40, probably better at 30,” said Helen. “What we thought spacing looked like was not what it actually was with a tape measure beside us.”
In the words of Bishop Karen P. Oliveto of the United Methodist Church: "I do not want one single case of COVID-19 traced to one of our churches because we did not care for those whom Jesus loves." As always, your Regional Council staff are available for consultation and support.
Blessings,
Treena Duncan, Executive Minister
If you would like to print the guidelines, click on this link for a higher resolution copy.
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How to submit news items to
Chinook Winds E-Newsletter
The Chinook Winds Newsletter is published every week. Deadline for submissions is the Monday or, following a long weekend, on the Tuesday
Your news or announcement can be included in the Chinook Winds E-News. For best promotion, it is advisable to submit material four weeks/one month in advance of your event's date or submission deadline. Events will be promoted for two newsletters and if you would like further promotion, please re-submit your item.
Please send the following information in the body of an email to Shelley Den Haan via SDenhaan@united-church.ca (Please note new email address):
• Your name and e-mail as the contact
• Short title
• 30-60 word description (Tip: Include a compelling reason why the reader should click to find out more.)
• The URL or website where readers can visit for more information (If you do not
have a URL or website, you can attach a pdf flyer or poster.)
• Date
• Location
Attach to the e-mail:
• An image (JPG or PNG) that represents your event, campaign, etc. Your social media artwork is helpful
(No image? That's fine. It will be placed in the "Other News" section.)
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