COVID-19 Response Team: Worship Message

Rose of Sharon bloom on east side of Leaside United Church
Photo Credit: Michele Petick taken on August 20/20

This summer the worship planning team and the COVID response team have been closely monitoring the COVID situation and the guidelines regarding the opening of places of worship. There is nothing we would like more than to be able to return to worship, to share hugs and handshakes, and linger over conversation and coffee. Unfortunately, it is clear that it will be quite some time before this vision of church will be possible.

We have been hearing from many about ways we are able to connect with worship and community within Leaside United Church. Worship over Zoom and on YouTube offers opportunity to reflect, hear scripture, and pray together. We are able to sing and to hear music, even though the experience can’t be the same. Over Zoom, we are able to wish one another peace, to talk with each other, even sometimes to light candles for prayers. On YouTube we can hear the incredible virtual choir projects, and return to meaningful prayers, reflections, and music, or share them with others. Over Zoom we have been able to share a children’s program every week, and we are working on plans to offer a children’s program on YouTube in the fall, as a more flexible possibility for families.