Here are the latest updates and encouragements regarding
St Aidan's response to our current situation with COVID19.
St Aidan's response to our current situation with COVID19.
22 November 2021 Covid-19 Update
April 27, 2021 - Covid-19 Update
February 14, 2021
Relaxed restrictions have allowed us to have a few more people with us in person as we host services in our building and livestream them to our YouTube channel.
The first opportunity for people to join us again will be for the 1 pm Ash Wednesday Service on February 17.
RSVP for that here.
We will also be confirming RSVPs for our Sunday Holy Communion Service on February 21. An email and RSVP link will go out on February 16 for that.
We look forward to seeing more faces soon!
Relaxed restrictions have allowed us to have a few more people with us in person as we host services in our building and livestream them to our YouTube channel.
The first opportunity for people to join us again will be for the 1 pm Ash Wednesday Service on February 17.
RSVP for that here.
We will also be confirming RSVPs for our Sunday Holy Communion Service on February 21. An email and RSVP link will go out on February 16 for that.
We look forward to seeing more faces soon!
November 30 Update from Jan Jones and Merle West
Blessings to all!
Our leadership has had a number of questions lately regarding the "gatherings of 5" rule at the church ordered both by Public Health and the Diocese and we would like to give you an update and to let you know how our staff are doing.
It was clarified with the Diocese, in the last few days, how many people may be at the church to record or livestream a service or to have a gathering of any kind. The answer was a very firm 5, with full precautions of mask, distancing, handwashing and pre/post sanitizing.
This follows from the latest Public Health order of gatherings of 5. We cannot alter this number. The health order does not stop at this, we are also, as Manitobans, to not create new contacts, to remain with our households only and to go out when only necessary. The goal of
this order is to slow the spread of infection, to keep as many people healthy as possible and really, to spare lives.
With this in mind, it was discussed at length at the latest staff meeting to create a "staff bubble", those employed by our church specifically in the office (5). These are the ones putting together
the live streaming and recordings (Dave, Les, Richard, Lory and Chris) with input/pre-recordings from others in music, readings and teachings. What is currently happening is staff have been taking turns having to isolate due to loved ones/helpers having to be tested for Covid 19 as those loved ones are on the "front lines" in education or health. When this happens staff have to work from home. If all staff suddenly had to isolate at the same time, or even several of
them, it would effectively cut our services off. They are already experiencing enough potential exposure through family and there is a need to keep exposure to an absolute minimum, hence the creation of a "bubble". The Wardens feel this is a very wise move, for the sake of the church, and fully supports the decision. Creating a second team capable of video production is in the works but not yet a full reality. We are all, as a church, on a steep learning curve this year.
We understand this may add to frustration as we have so many talented people in the Parish who genuinely want to help. Our staff this year have had to deal with serious health issues, loved ones in deep distress and illness, and an ever changing work landscape with a tough learning curve to keep us all connected and in some sort of fellowship while we get through this pandemic. The Wardens are extremely proud of them. In just the last few days we have received emails from our Diocese asking us to share with the Diocese what we are doing and how we are doing it as our Parish is reaching people far away with the Gospel. We encourage you to keep our staff supported with prayer and encouragement as you are already doing.
Know for certain we are praying for each one of you to stay well and to thrive in the Lord. We encourage you to join us in January as we study Scripture together and read the Bible through in a year with the Bible Project. This will be an excellent tool to help us to keep together. Thank you for letting the Lord's gifts flow through you to each other and to us and for being such a faithful people. God bless you now and always,
Janice Jones, People's Warden
Merle West, Rector's Warden
Our leadership has had a number of questions lately regarding the "gatherings of 5" rule at the church ordered both by Public Health and the Diocese and we would like to give you an update and to let you know how our staff are doing.
It was clarified with the Diocese, in the last few days, how many people may be at the church to record or livestream a service or to have a gathering of any kind. The answer was a very firm 5, with full precautions of mask, distancing, handwashing and pre/post sanitizing.
This follows from the latest Public Health order of gatherings of 5. We cannot alter this number. The health order does not stop at this, we are also, as Manitobans, to not create new contacts, to remain with our households only and to go out when only necessary. The goal of
this order is to slow the spread of infection, to keep as many people healthy as possible and really, to spare lives.
With this in mind, it was discussed at length at the latest staff meeting to create a "staff bubble", those employed by our church specifically in the office (5). These are the ones putting together
the live streaming and recordings (Dave, Les, Richard, Lory and Chris) with input/pre-recordings from others in music, readings and teachings. What is currently happening is staff have been taking turns having to isolate due to loved ones/helpers having to be tested for Covid 19 as those loved ones are on the "front lines" in education or health. When this happens staff have to work from home. If all staff suddenly had to isolate at the same time, or even several of
them, it would effectively cut our services off. They are already experiencing enough potential exposure through family and there is a need to keep exposure to an absolute minimum, hence the creation of a "bubble". The Wardens feel this is a very wise move, for the sake of the church, and fully supports the decision. Creating a second team capable of video production is in the works but not yet a full reality. We are all, as a church, on a steep learning curve this year.
We understand this may add to frustration as we have so many talented people in the Parish who genuinely want to help. Our staff this year have had to deal with serious health issues, loved ones in deep distress and illness, and an ever changing work landscape with a tough learning curve to keep us all connected and in some sort of fellowship while we get through this pandemic. The Wardens are extremely proud of them. In just the last few days we have received emails from our Diocese asking us to share with the Diocese what we are doing and how we are doing it as our Parish is reaching people far away with the Gospel. We encourage you to keep our staff supported with prayer and encouragement as you are already doing.
Know for certain we are praying for each one of you to stay well and to thrive in the Lord. We encourage you to join us in January as we study Scripture together and read the Bible through in a year with the Bible Project. This will be an excellent tool to help us to keep together. Thank you for letting the Lord's gifts flow through you to each other and to us and for being such a faithful people. God bless you now and always,
Janice Jones, People's Warden
Merle West, Rector's Warden
November 2, 2020 Update from Pastor Dave:
Dear Church Family,
Services in the Church for the next two weeks will be live streamed only and not in-person worship. The church building will be closed. This decision is in response to the increasing severity of the COVID situation and is intended to match and support the Provincial Government's directives. The approach will enable us to care for one another, our families and communities; it is a positive witness to those around us. I would truly encourage you to remain connected with the Church and one another - we really need the grace and fellowship of Christ in His Body at this time.
Remembrance Sunday will be celebrated (8.11.20) with its focus broadened out to remember those that have been lost to this virus and the service provided by our front line workers.
The instructional Eucharist scheduled for this Wednesday (4.11.20) will be postponed till the 18th November (whether or not in person worship will be open again this service will be recorded on that date and made available to all).
Let us continue to pray that all of us will be strong in the Lord and His mighty strength showing love for our God, neighbour and self.
Yours in Christ Pastor Dave
Services in the Church for the next two weeks will be live streamed only and not in-person worship. The church building will be closed. This decision is in response to the increasing severity of the COVID situation and is intended to match and support the Provincial Government's directives. The approach will enable us to care for one another, our families and communities; it is a positive witness to those around us. I would truly encourage you to remain connected with the Church and one another - we really need the grace and fellowship of Christ in His Body at this time.
Remembrance Sunday will be celebrated (8.11.20) with its focus broadened out to remember those that have been lost to this virus and the service provided by our front line workers.
The instructional Eucharist scheduled for this Wednesday (4.11.20) will be postponed till the 18th November (whether or not in person worship will be open again this service will be recorded on that date and made available to all).
Let us continue to pray that all of us will be strong in the Lord and His mighty strength showing love for our God, neighbour and self.
Yours in Christ Pastor Dave
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Reopening Soon! Update as of June 27, 2020
Hi Folks - Just giving you a quick update of our opening plans as they are proceeding – Corporation has prepared our opening plan with the involvement of Vestry and this plan was also reviewed with nursing/medical personnel in the Parish – it follows both provincial and diocesan protocols – last Monday the plan was sent to Archdeacon Mawejje for his reading/approval – from there he sends it to the Bishop for his reading/approval – once both sign it we are allowed to open.
Last Monday the Province started phase 3 of post-covid where we are allowed 50 people inside a service and 100 people outside – yesterday, the Bishop also issued a directive effectively allowing 50 people at a time for a service – a package is being prepared for email/regular mail and this will be sent out shortly to everyone – it will contain protocols for arrival, how the service will go and protocols for leaving the building – it will not be church as usual but beginning steps to getting back together – the Eucharist is allowed but only in one kind (bread) – wine will not be served yet – masks will be required, either your own or we will have some available – the lift will be available for use – many more details will follow soon.
Pastor Dave/Elaine are currently on vacation and will be back with us on July 5/6 – our “best guess” as to when we will actually have our first service is 1-2 weeks after that, assuming we get our Plan signed off in a timely fashion – Corporation is responsible for reviewing/maintaining the plan weekly for a month, once we open, and then less so after that – leadership was unanimous in wanting Pastor Dave present when we open.
We want to thank all of you, for your prayers, your support, your encouragement, your ideas – it has been such a unique time, a real time of testing and also opportunity, the church has had to be creative, quickly – and show some iron will and effort to “stick together” from afar – God has been very gracious – looking forward to seeing you all soon.
In Christ,
Janice Jones
People’s Warden
Hi Folks - Just giving you a quick update of our opening plans as they are proceeding – Corporation has prepared our opening plan with the involvement of Vestry and this plan was also reviewed with nursing/medical personnel in the Parish – it follows both provincial and diocesan protocols – last Monday the plan was sent to Archdeacon Mawejje for his reading/approval – from there he sends it to the Bishop for his reading/approval – once both sign it we are allowed to open.
Last Monday the Province started phase 3 of post-covid where we are allowed 50 people inside a service and 100 people outside – yesterday, the Bishop also issued a directive effectively allowing 50 people at a time for a service – a package is being prepared for email/regular mail and this will be sent out shortly to everyone – it will contain protocols for arrival, how the service will go and protocols for leaving the building – it will not be church as usual but beginning steps to getting back together – the Eucharist is allowed but only in one kind (bread) – wine will not be served yet – masks will be required, either your own or we will have some available – the lift will be available for use – many more details will follow soon.
Pastor Dave/Elaine are currently on vacation and will be back with us on July 5/6 – our “best guess” as to when we will actually have our first service is 1-2 weeks after that, assuming we get our Plan signed off in a timely fashion – Corporation is responsible for reviewing/maintaining the plan weekly for a month, once we open, and then less so after that – leadership was unanimous in wanting Pastor Dave present when we open.
We want to thank all of you, for your prayers, your support, your encouragement, your ideas – it has been such a unique time, a real time of testing and also opportunity, the church has had to be creative, quickly – and show some iron will and effort to “stick together” from afar – God has been very gracious – looking forward to seeing you all soon.
In Christ,
Janice Jones
People’s Warden
May 27 Update from Merle West, Rector's Warden
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As you have no doubt heard, COVID-19 restrictions are being eased by the province. This brings us to a place of hope where we can look forward to worshipping together again in one place. We have been following Bishop Geoff’s directives regarding appropriate closing, opening and operating procedures; these were created in consultation with health practitioners.
Your leadership team met to begin the process of re-entry, using the guidelines sent out by Bishop Geoff on May 21st. Upon review, what should have been a simple task, was not. Some of the questions considered were:
We want very much to move forward with the opening of our worship space; this is unanimous. To that end, we are exploring how best to do so, keeping in mind, first and foremost, the health and safety of all.
Briefly, the protocol in place is that Corporation must present a re-opening plan to an Arch Deacon. This will likely be accomplished at St. Aidan’s by an exchange between Pastor Dave and another Arch Deacon so as not to show bias. Once that is approved, the plan is passed to Bishop Geoff for final approval.
The earliest move would be 14 June. We have put steps in place to complete the plan and will communicate again as soon as we have something concrete to convey. Please be patient and pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit our plan comes to fruition in a timely and safe manner, to the Glory of God.
Yours in Christ,
Merle West, Rector’s Warden
As you have no doubt heard, COVID-19 restrictions are being eased by the province. This brings us to a place of hope where we can look forward to worshipping together again in one place. We have been following Bishop Geoff’s directives regarding appropriate closing, opening and operating procedures; these were created in consultation with health practitioners.
Your leadership team met to begin the process of re-entry, using the guidelines sent out by Bishop Geoff on May 21st. Upon review, what should have been a simple task, was not. Some of the questions considered were:
- How do we continue serving those for whom public worship is not an option due to age or prior health conditions?
- How do we impose the 25-person limit, deciding who will attend?
- Do we have access to sufficient supplies for sanitation for the length of the restrictions, and the human resources to perform the necessary tasks?
- If we can’t embrace, sing, pass the peace and have to maintain social distancing, how well does that serve our congregation?
- What about children’s programs?
We want very much to move forward with the opening of our worship space; this is unanimous. To that end, we are exploring how best to do so, keeping in mind, first and foremost, the health and safety of all.
Briefly, the protocol in place is that Corporation must present a re-opening plan to an Arch Deacon. This will likely be accomplished at St. Aidan’s by an exchange between Pastor Dave and another Arch Deacon so as not to show bias. Once that is approved, the plan is passed to Bishop Geoff for final approval.
The earliest move would be 14 June. We have put steps in place to complete the plan and will communicate again as soon as we have something concrete to convey. Please be patient and pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit our plan comes to fruition in a timely and safe manner, to the Glory of God.
Yours in Christ,
Merle West, Rector’s Warden
April 18, 2020 Update
Monday Update - April 6, 2020
A thought and a notice about Alpha Online.
A thought and a notice about Alpha Online.
Monday, March 30 Update:
March 25, 2020 Update - How St Aidan’s Continues to be the Church during the pandemic
As we all know Canada has been hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, and based on the directives from the Federal Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, and our own Bishop, we have had to close our beloved building to the public until further notice. That doesn’t mean that we have to stop being the Church, because the Church is us, the people, the Children of God. This is a time or us to forge our bonds of unity and love even tighter than before as we remain strong in the Lord. However, not being able to congregate together for worship, prayer and mutual Christian support means that we will have to do things a little differently. Therefore, St. Aidan’s Leadership Team and staff have developed a plan for us to continue being the Body of Christ in a challenging time. This summary will give you an idea of how we will continue to be the Church during this time.
Point of Contact is the Church Office
Worship Services
Mission Ministry
Group Ministry
Vestry
Pastoral Care
Communication
Volunteers
Grocery/Medications Pickups Process
In order for the pick-up of groceries and/or medications to be successful, safe and timely, we are providing the following process to follow:
When we work together in God’s will and power, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.
As we all know Canada has been hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, and based on the directives from the Federal Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, and our own Bishop, we have had to close our beloved building to the public until further notice. That doesn’t mean that we have to stop being the Church, because the Church is us, the people, the Children of God. This is a time or us to forge our bonds of unity and love even tighter than before as we remain strong in the Lord. However, not being able to congregate together for worship, prayer and mutual Christian support means that we will have to do things a little differently. Therefore, St. Aidan’s Leadership Team and staff have developed a plan for us to continue being the Body of Christ in a challenging time. This summary will give you an idea of how we will continue to be the Church during this time.
Point of Contact is the Church Office
- All relative emails and phone calls will be redirected to the appropriate ministry leaders
- Worship services, Group Ministry, Vestry, Pastoral Care, Communication
Worship Services
- All our worship services will be video recorded and posted to YouTube via our website
- Sunday services, special weekday services (Prayer for Healing, etc.)
- Special video messages to congregation
Mission Ministry
- Leaf Rapids visit - Ongoing discussions with LAMP - will advise Team Members as info becomes available
- Youth Center - canceled until further notice
- Naomi House – maintain phone call connection with St. Aidan’s resident and house staff
- Alpha videos will be downloaded and available once appropriate platform is developed
Group Ministry
- Small Group Leaders to regularly call members for study, prayer requests and pastoral care
- Sunday School to have new material posted to website every week for home use
- Youth Mom Squad continues to hold online meetings with youth
Vestry
- Vestry members will be requested to take an active part in contacting parish members via regular phone calls for pastoral care and needs assessment
Pastoral Care
- Will continue to take prayer requests from parishioners, and the Prayer Chain will continue to operate the same as it does currently.
- Send cards, letters to parishioners for special occasions and to keep connected
Communication
- The new parish prayer and pick ups request email addresses – [email protected] is available for you to submit prayer requests so we can provide prayer for you; and
[email protected] is available for those who are unable to leave the house to submit requests for grocery/medication pick ups (see process details below) - Watch your weekly parish email for the latest updates on services, messages, and directives
- The parish website has been expanded to include links to the weekly worship and prayer services, Sunday School activities and the latest church news, blogs, and messages
- We have a new YouTube channel so you can watch all our newest videos
Volunteers
- Volunteers are being organized for “check-up“ phone calls, and grocery or medication pick-ups
Grocery/Medications Pickups Process
In order for the pick-up of groceries and/or medications to be successful, safe and timely, we are providing the following process to follow:
- Parishioner requests grocery shopping/pickup to the new email address [email protected] , or via a phone call to office and provide:
- Name and contact info – address and phone number
- Grocery list/preferred store (if meds, member must phone pharmacy to advise volunteer pickup)
- Volunteer picks up grocery list from parishioner’s mailbox/front door (no physical contact)
- Volunteer shops at preferred store for groceries (volunteer will call parishioner for substitute if needed)
- Volunteer pays with own credit card, calls parish member with total amount,
- Volunteer takes cellphone photo of receipt and keeps it, and puts original in grocery bag for parishioner
- Parishioner must provide cheque in volunteers name in envelope in mailbox/front door
- Volunteer leaves groceries at front door, picks up cheque (no physical contact)
- If parishioner does not leave cheque, volunteer brings receipt to church for reimbursement via office cheque request
When we work together in God’s will and power, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.
Monday, March 23, 2020 - A Letter from Jeff Hall and Merle West
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Cor. 1:3-4
As we experience this time of isolation and social distancing, it is important to stay in touch and in fellowship. If you are receiving the weekly updates via email, you will know already that Pastor Dave and the leadership team are planning to deliver worship services using streaming /recorded video.
If you are someone who is experiencing job loss or slowdown, and need prayer or other practical help, please let us know, by phone or email. We are preparing to pray, shop, and deliver pastoral care in ways that support and encourage healthy contact and in keeping with the health professionals’ advice.
You may find yourself in a position where financial support of St. Aidan’s is not possible for a time. Be assured that this is not unexpected; we encourage you to take care of yourself and your family first.
If you have not experienced wage loss, please consider continuing your gift to the church to help us carry on God’s work within and outside the church now, and as needs change.
For those who give by envelope on Sunday morning, we encourage you to sign up for Pre-Authorized Debit by completing this form and mailing it to St. Aidan’s, or dropping it in our new ‘secured’ mailbox beside the Kingsway entrance. You can also scan the document and email it to [email protected]. If you do not have a printer/scanner, please call the church office and Lory will mail you the form.
For those who give by envelope on Sunday, and who wish to continue doing so, please:
Another way to contribute with one time or regular giving is through Canada Helps, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/28819.
Any donor can transact on Canada Helps after completing the basic information requirements which are needed by Canada Helps to receipt you directly for your gift. Complete details are under the “GIVE” menu heading at our website: http://www.staidanswinnipeg.ca/give.html.
We are considering the use of other money transfer platforms, such as
Interac e-Transfer, using your financial services provider’s online application, and we will keep you informed as these become available.
Thank you for prayerful consideration of your financial support to keep St. Aidan’s viable during this challenging time. We remain confident that God is in control.
In His Service,
Merle West, Rector’s Warden Jeff Hall, Parish Treasurer
A cautionary note. There are those who would wish to take advantage of the present circumstances by attempting to defraud people. Please be vigilant; if you are suspicious of email requests purportedly sent from St. Aidan’s, please call either Jeff Hall or Merle West to verify the request.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Cor. 1:3-4
As we experience this time of isolation and social distancing, it is important to stay in touch and in fellowship. If you are receiving the weekly updates via email, you will know already that Pastor Dave and the leadership team are planning to deliver worship services using streaming /recorded video.
If you are someone who is experiencing job loss or slowdown, and need prayer or other practical help, please let us know, by phone or email. We are preparing to pray, shop, and deliver pastoral care in ways that support and encourage healthy contact and in keeping with the health professionals’ advice.
You may find yourself in a position where financial support of St. Aidan’s is not possible for a time. Be assured that this is not unexpected; we encourage you to take care of yourself and your family first.
If you have not experienced wage loss, please consider continuing your gift to the church to help us carry on God’s work within and outside the church now, and as needs change.
For those who give by envelope on Sunday morning, we encourage you to sign up for Pre-Authorized Debit by completing this form and mailing it to St. Aidan’s, or dropping it in our new ‘secured’ mailbox beside the Kingsway entrance. You can also scan the document and email it to [email protected]. If you do not have a printer/scanner, please call the church office and Lory will mail you the form.
For those who give by envelope on Sunday, and who wish to continue doing so, please:
- mail your cheque made payable to St. Aidan’s Anglican Church to: St Aidan's, 274 Campbell St, Winnipeg, MB, R3N 1B5
- phone the parish office to arrange for a secure pick up
- drop it off at the parish new secured mail box (installation approx. March 22nd)
Another way to contribute with one time or regular giving is through Canada Helps, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/28819.
Any donor can transact on Canada Helps after completing the basic information requirements which are needed by Canada Helps to receipt you directly for your gift. Complete details are under the “GIVE” menu heading at our website: http://www.staidanswinnipeg.ca/give.html.
We are considering the use of other money transfer platforms, such as
Interac e-Transfer, using your financial services provider’s online application, and we will keep you informed as these become available.
Thank you for prayerful consideration of your financial support to keep St. Aidan’s viable during this challenging time. We remain confident that God is in control.
In His Service,
Merle West, Rector’s Warden Jeff Hall, Parish Treasurer
A cautionary note. There are those who would wish to take advantage of the present circumstances by attempting to defraud people. Please be vigilant; if you are suspicious of email requests purportedly sent from St. Aidan’s, please call either Jeff Hall or Merle West to verify the request.
Wednesday 18th March
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In this ever-developing crisis may we remember that we have the High Priest who is able to sympathize with our weakness (Heb. 4:15) and through the sufficiency of His grace turn that weakness to strength as His power rests on us (2 Cor. 12: 9); so let us all collectively ,”…approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Be assured that we will work together as a Church to love and support one another in this time of need. The purpose of this letter is to explain some of the ways we can do this and to encourage you to participate:
Updates
Worship
Miscellaneous
May the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
may the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Yours in Christ
Pastor Dave Labdon
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In this ever-developing crisis may we remember that we have the High Priest who is able to sympathize with our weakness (Heb. 4:15) and through the sufficiency of His grace turn that weakness to strength as His power rests on us (2 Cor. 12: 9); so let us all collectively ,”…approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Be assured that we will work together as a Church to love and support one another in this time of need. The purpose of this letter is to explain some of the ways we can do this and to encourage you to participate:
Updates
- Please check the Diocesan website for the Bishop’s Directives, letters and guidance: http://www.rupertsland.ca/category/covid19-responses/
- Please look to the Manitoba Health website for updates, guidance and a COVID 19 screening tool: https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool/
Worship
- As you know Churches have been closed and the Provincial guidelines are for Groups of 50 and over not to meet (please always check for updates). This calls for us as a Church to ‘do’ Worship differently.
From Sunday, March 22, we will live stream (or have a pre-recorded) service online at 10.30am.
I would really encourage you to join, listen and pray with us at the same time; there is power in the Body of Christ - We will schedule the Prayer service for ‘Wholeness and Healing’ in due course (online) so please keep a look out for that information
- A Pastor’s Blog with Daily Reflections, prayer and on occasion songs will begin on Thursday, March 18.
Guest bloggers Mr. Les Kovacs (Ministries Coordinator) and Mr. Chris Barnes (Mission Coordinator) will post on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please connect with us in this way and share with others - I would also encourage you in Daily Prayer and Bible study. Consider the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) or Book of Alternative Services (BAS) with the lectionary (all available via https://www.anglican.ca/ ). Helpful apps are the Church of England ‘Daily Prayer’ and ‘Time to Pray,’ which follow the BCP and Anglican liturgy in Common Worship
- Research is ongoing into resources that we will make available to our differing ministries such as Small, Groups, Children and Youth
- Based on Health and Bishop Directives and closures of (or limited access to) Residential Homes Pastoral Visits have been discontinued. Hospital and emergency visits will take place under specific guidance
- The Church will operate a Pastoral Care practice with phone ministry and courier service for those unable to attend stores or who are self-isolating and require this support. We have a list of volunteers for this ministry. Mr. Les Kovacs will coordinate this effort; you will receive directions shortly. In the meantime, I would encourage you to simply call one another and keep in touch
- Church buildings may be utilized by the Health Authority and Clergy maybe asked to provide support to front line Health workers. St. Aidan’s stands ready to help
- Other imaginative ways of caring for one another and Prayer Ministry are in the pipeline so keep yourself updated and email in ideas
Miscellaneous
- Communication for the Church will be via the phone, website and emails.
The bulletin will continue and will be posted on the site.
Copies will be printed and mailed to those without internet access along with letters and phone calls - Video conferencing options are being researched and will go live next week; a possible option for Alpha and Small Groups
- We continue to ask Parishioners to consider their financial giving to the Church at this time. As the Church is closed due to COVID 19 we would ask members to use Canada Helps or to set up a Pre-Authorized Debit to ensure the Church remains viable on a financial basis. Treasurer Mr. Jeff Hall and the Rector’s Warden Mrs. Merle West will be communicating with the Church in due course ([email protected])
- Care and consideration will be essential for those who are affected financially by COVID 19; we will monitor the Federal Government’s direction on this and act appropriately
May the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
may the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Yours in Christ
Pastor Dave Labdon
