I am pleased to announce our re-opening plans, guided by provincial and local health regulations as well as our own risk tolerance. As always, the safety and health of our congregation and our community are paramount.
Sunday Worship Services
Public worship resumes in the Sanctuary this Sunday, March 6, 2022 —the first Sunday in Lent. Worship services are governed by the following protocols:
- No one who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or other illness, or who has been exposed in the past 14 days to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, may attend in-person worship.
- All attendees shall be properly masked at all times while in the church. “Properly masked” is wearing a medical grade mask (no cloth masks) completely covering nose, mouth and chin. No exceptions will be made for speakers or other leaders.
- Those participating in or leading the worship service must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19—including the minister, scripture readers, musicians, ushers/greeters, and duty elders.
- While all attendees are encouraged to be vaccinated, there is no requirement for proof of vaccination other than for worship leaders as noted above.
- There will be no singing during worship services, either by members of the choir, soloists, duos, etc. or by the congregation.
- Seating will be arranged to maintain two metres of distancing between separate households and capacity limited to the number of people who can safely maintain that distance.
- Contact information (name, phone number or e-mail address) must be recorded for all attendees. Attendees should self-screen for COVID-19 risks.
- There will be no in-person fellowship/coffee hour after services, but the Virtual Coffee Time via Zoom continues, starting at 12:30 PM on Sundays.
- We will live-stream worship services and resources have been made available to purchase required technology.
Church-Sponsored Activities
In-person church-sponsored activities resumed Feb 17, 2022, under the following protocols:
- All activities must be booked through Lisa in the office.
- No one who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or other illness, or who has been exposed in the past 14 days to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, may attend in-person activities.
- All in-person participants in non-worship activities must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Capacity limit is 50 people for indoor activities.
- Contact information (name, phone number or e-mail address) must be recorded for all attendees. Attendees should self-screen for COVID-19 risks.
- All attendees shall be properly masked at all times while in the church. “Properly masked” is wearing a medical grade mask (no cloth masks) completely covering nose, mouth and chin. No exceptions will be made for speakers or other leaders. Masks may be removed temporarily while eating or drinking.
- Proper distancing of 2 metres between household groups must be maintained.
Rental Groups
In-person rentals resumed Feb 17, 2022, with the following protocols:
- Capacity limit is 50 people for indoor activities.
- All attendees shall be properly masked at all times while in the church. “Properly masked” is wearing a medical grade mask (no cloth masks) completely covering nose, mouth and chin. No exceptions will be made for speakers or other leaders. Masks may be removed temporarily while eating or drinking.
- Proper distancing of 2 metres between household groups must be maintained.
- Contact information (name, phone number or e-mail address) must be recorded for all attendees. Attendees should self-screen for COVID-19 risks.
- Rental groups may establish their own protocols as long as church protocols are also followed.
Session continues to monitor the provincial and local COVID-19 guidelines as well as our own circumstances and adjust our policies as required. Please let me know if you have any questions and remember that there is no pressure for anyone to return before they are ready to.
We are excited to return to in-person activities at Guildwood.
—Bruce Morrison, Clerk of Session
Versions of this message first appeared in various editions of Tidbits.