AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT RE-OPENING CHURCH BUILDINGS
In coming days, we anticipate the Quebec government to indicate that churches may start to consider re-opening their buildings. BEFORE WE DO, it is important to create a plan that will keep all of our valued and vulnerable lay members, ministry personnel and tenants safe and healthy, and to conform to all of the necessary requirements.
In order to support you through this planning process, the Conseil régional Nakonha :ka Regional Council and the United Church of Canada have put together some resources, including the newly formed COVID-19 Response Task Group. Resources currently available include a presentation and checklist, links to webinars on re-opening church buildings offered by United in Learning and other resources which may be helpful in imagining what “being the church” might look like as we gradually return to our buildings.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
On the Nakonha:ka web site (https://nakonhakaucc.ca/blog/2020/05/30/process-for-gradual-re-opening-of-church-buildings-peter-bisset/) the following information is available for download/review.
- Presentation (PDF)
- Presentation (video)
- Checklist for re-opening (updated June 15, 2020)
- Links to United in Learning Webinars
- Notes from discussion groups at recent Regional Council gathering
- Article with hypothetical scenario of return to church buildings
RESOURCES IN DEVELOPMENT
In addition, an information package responding to frequently asked questions is being prepared by the COVID-19 Response Task Group and will be circulated as soon as possible. Additional plans will be discussed at the upcoming Executive meeting on June 18, 2020.
NEXT STEPS FOR COMMUNITIES OF FAITH
In the meantime, we are requesting communities of faith to review all the information available to them and to begin preparing a detailed plan for re-opening, which is to be submitted to the COVID-19 Response Task Group for conversation BEFORE STARTING THE PROCESS OF RE-OPENING. This is critical so that we can work together to ensure the safety of our members and so that the Regional Council can discern what types of support will be most helpful.
IMPORTANT: If your community of faith is using your buildings for sectors already authorized to open by government such as essential community services, daycares, camps, etc., please contact the Task Group to help you formulate your Phase 1 Plan ASAP.
Thank you for the adaptation and resilience you continue to demonstrate during this crisis and blessings as we continue the journey together.
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For more information, please contact the COVID-19 Response Task Group: bruse@united-church.ca
NOTE: If you have not been receiving regular updates and newsletters from the Regional Council by email, please check your junk mail / spam folder and send your primary email contact information ASAP to Judy Coffin, Communications and Administrative Support, at jcoffin@united-church.ca.