Update from the EMUC Reopening Committee
We are pleased to advise that we have accomplished a fair bit.
Tina is in the office a few days each week. With Tina in the office, we restarted the Fundscrip program.
The Reopening Committee has removed and stored the Bibles and hymnbooks. We assessed the sanctuary for physical distancing requirements, then rearranged the seating and stored the extra chairs.
EMUC’s rental groups have been contacted and advised of our own reopening status and plans. A number of groups are interested in starting up again. The Reopening Committee is considering the type of use for each group and what government regulations must be implemented for the safety of
every
group who might use the same space. Cleaning after each group’s use incurs additional costs. We are looking at how to address this.
Covenant Church presented a fully developed plan and protocols for reopening for their group’s use. Their contract has been reviewed and an addendum added. They signed off on the addendum which covers our expectations for how they will use the space and keep it clean, sanitized, and safe for them and for any other potential user(s). Covenant Church will open in July to a limited attendance of between 20 and 30 people, no one over 70 years of age. They will implement a thorough screening/tracing protocol.
Erin Mills United Church will continue to conduct worship services via Zoom. Zoom continues to offer a face-to-face, no masks, music and prayer-filled worship, while keeping those in high-risk groups safe. (As a related aside, the Reopening Committee wore masks and physical distanced when we worked on the seating arrangement/storage. Wearing a mask for more than a few minutes was quite uncomfortable. Seeing half-faces/eyes only was far more impersonal than we expected.)
Anyone is now welcome to spend a limited time in the sanctuary if they wish. To do so, please call Tina at the office
first,
to set a time to come. Every visitor must complete the screening questionnaire, wear a mask, and sign out as they leave.
A very important part of EMUC is being and feeling connected. Even during this Covid-19 pandemic, please remember that Pastoral Care is available if you want or need it. Please call the office and speak with Tina or leave a message, so that someone on the Pastoral Care team can get in touch with you.
Finally, remember...we are not alone. We can reach out to each other. We can pray anywhere, anytime. God is listening.
