The news is filled with COVID-19, and as it continues to spread it is good to remind ourselves that as a church we are called to respond with calm compassion. At Leaside United Church, discussions of COVID-19 are occurring with Pastoral Care, Worship, Council, and staff. We know that in an urban setting and with a vulnerable elderly population, we must acknowledge the risks and take preventative measures, while also recognizing and responding to the need for connection and spiritual care.
The United Church of Canada encourages all of us to respond to COVID-19 with compassion, prevention, and prayer. We are invited to respond with compassion, remembering the people behind the statistics and celebrating the work of professionals caring for the sick. This is a time for thought rather than fear, and compassion rather than panic. We are invited to respond with prevention, recognizing risks and reducing them. Finally, we are invited to respond with prayer, so that our compassion and prevention are “guided by our continued prayer for the well-being of all people.”
Here are some of the ways we are responding, and can respond, together:
The Church Building
- Increased cleaning of washrooms and kitchen, including light switches, doorknobs, and handles
- Soap and hand sanitizer readily available (Narthex entrance, office hall, nursery area)
- Tissues available around the church
- Our newly renovated upstairs kitchen has a sterilizing dishwasher used every Conversation Time
Worship
- Using alternate ways of Passing of the Peace to limit hand-to-hand contact since January
- We are adjusting Communion (on Palm Sunday) and Conversation Time practices
- We will be sharing Mini Services by email for the remainder of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, for those who are unable (or choose not) to attend Sunday worship
- You are invited to space yourselves during worship (1 meter is WHO’s recommendation for public events), if you wish to do so
- Please contact Rev. Emily Gordon by email or phone (416) 425-1253 ext. 25, if you wish for prayers
Personal Prevention
- Wash hands regularly, and thoroughly, with soap and water (or hand sanitizer where soap and water are not available) including when you enter the church and as soon as you return home
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid touching faces or skin of those who are most vulnerable with unwashed hands (including the elderly and, as a general best practice, children and infants)
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill
- Stay home when you are ill
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, and wash your hands after using tissues
Toronto Public Health stated today “Individuals who attend events and large gatherings are reminded to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 which includes: fever (greater than 38 degrees Celsius), new onset of cough and difficulty breathing.” For the most up-to-date public health advice, please see the Toronto Public Health website.
The World Health Organization WHO also has information online, including a Myth Busters page.
Let’s respond with compassion, prevention, and prayer together.
Leaside United Church