A few changes afoot to reduce risk

Thank you, everyone, for your good cheer and companionship on Sunday morning as we introduced a few adjustments needed to help reduce the risk of transmitting the COVID-19 virus in our community.

In case you missed it, here is the news post on our website, and Archbishop Melissa’s full statement on the matter is right here.

Since then, your clergy and wardens have put their heads together (at a safe, non-sneezy distance!) to discern what further steps should be undertaken. The common wisdom is that this is an excellent time to keep life simple and to minimize mingling with others. While most of us would not suffer unduly should we contract the virus, there are people amongst us for whom the risk is greater. It is everyone’s job to keep those people safe.

To that end, we are temporarily putting a “hold” on extra-curricular church gatherings such as yoga classes, TED talks, and even Coffee Hour. For those of you who meet offsite for Bible study or fellowship gatherings, we suggest you think about postponing your meet-ups until this outbreak passes. If you do decide to meet, please observe all the needed hygiene measures, such as handwashing on entry and exit, and refraining from hugs and handshakes. (We know it’s hard… but it won’t be forever!)

We encourage you to keep in touch with each other by telephone or email. If you haven’t yet given permission for your contact details to appear in the members-only online directory, now would be a great time to do so! Please contact Peggy or the office if you are happy for your details to appear in the private directory on our website.

We will let you know if anything further changes before Sunday morning. In the meantime, consider having your groceries delivered from a place like Thrifty’s or Save-on-Foods, catch up on your reading (may we suggest our hot-off-the-presses Parish Profile and job description, newly published on the diocesan website?), and let us know if you are feeling unwell and need something picked up or dropped off at your door. There are people in the neighbourhood who can help!

As always, please contact Philippa or Peggy if you have any questions or would like a chat. We ask you to join us in praying for all those impacted by this situation, especially the staff, residents and families at Lynn Valley Care Centre.