COVID Response Team’s Message (September 30, 2020)
On March 11, 2020, the Leaside United Church (LUC) Council approved the COVID Response Team. It was formed due to the emergence of a COVID-19 pandemic and the realization by the Council that it was imperative to have a team with medical and administrative expertise to monitor, communicate, and if needed, provide guidance and recommendations regarding the ongoing safety of the membership, staff and renters. The members have worked diligently and respectfully to provide this mandate.
On September 28th, Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto warned,
“There’s an immediate rising risk in Toronto of continued and significant COVID-19 resurgence. What we need you to do is to think carefully about how to protect yourself as you go about your daily activities by limiting contact with people you don’t live with.” Later that day, she tweeted “……..We all play a role: as much as possible limit contact with anyone you don’t live with & keep 6 ft apart, wear a mask, wash your hands, & stay home if sick.”
This week the COVID Response Team met and discussed the recent increases in COVID-19 cases in Toronto. Due to the recent rapid escalation in COVID-19 positivity the team agreed:
- In-person Worship
There will be no indoor worship at least until the end of 2020. The team will continue to monitor the effects of the pandemic and its safety implications as to the resumption of in-person worship. We will continue our current virtual worship services. - Church Building and Property
The church building will not be accessible at least until the end of 2020. The exceptions are the required construction workers, the custodians, other staff and the Renovation Team. Regarding the staff and the Renovation Team these visits will be scheduled with Ann Fraser. Impromptu visits are not permitted at this time. - Church Rentals
LUC will not be renting the church building at least until the end of 2020. The team will continue to monitor the effects of the pandemic and its safety implications as to resumption of rentals.
To all, we encourage everyone to continue following the public health recommendations closely, as we work to protect one another from COVID-19. The worship planning team is exploring creative opportunities for our Advent and Christmas Eve services, and we would love to hear ideas you have as well. We will share our plans later in November.
Lastly, we know that there are many questions about what is happening with COVID-19. Given how quickly things keep changing, we have decided to begin a Question and Answer section in the mid-week email to help keep everyone up to date on what is happening with LUC. Questions can be emailed to Ann Fraser, ann@leasideuc.com, which will be shared with the team, with the answers shared with everyone in Thursday’s email. Do you have questions about who can be in the building, why we aren’t reopening yet for worship, or what we are doing online? Let us know your thoughts and questions, and watch here each week for our answers.
Rev. Emily Gordon
Anne Raby, Chair of the COVID Response Team
Only Outdoor Pastoral Care Visitations (September 24, 2020)
Leaside United Church members value our Pastoral Care Ministry and the dedicated individuals leading this program. Pastoral Care is an integral part of keeping our church connected through visits, phone calls, emails and cards. With respect to visiting, at this time, the COVID Response Team has advised the Pastoral Care Committee that only outdoor pastoral visits take place. This decision has been made to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
You must be logged in to post a comment.