The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions have been with us since March 2020. Although, during the period of time from late spring to early fall, it seemed as though the crisis had settled into a holding pattern, the “second wave” that moved across Canada greatly increased safety protocols over this past winter. Numbers of cases and positive test results rose rapidly, and continued to fluctuate as they eased off gradually. And now, provincial and federal pandemic guidelines and restrictions are being lifted in many jurisdictions, and updates can be found at the links below.
Health Canada Alberta British Columbia Northwest Territories
The United Church of Canada has dedicated web pages for information related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please keep checking for the most up-to-date resources from the General Council Office, including information about Governance, Worship, Congregational Finance, and Emergency Funding: : Faith Communities and COVID-19. A three-phase guidelines document for re-opening discernment and practices can be found on this page as well.
COVID-19 Vaccination Expectation for Ministry Personnel
In response to requests from Communities of Faith and Regional Councils, the Office of Vocation for The United Church of Canada, on October 14, released its expectations that Ministry Personnel will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect the vulnerable in their churches and communities. For the full story, and a downloadable FAQ document:
Interpretive Memo on COVID-19 Vaccination Status
FAQ on COVID-19 Vaccination Status
As Communities of Faith resume in-person worship and other activities, and as churches are re-opened and other programs re-launched, we are all advised to keep the safety of our most vulnerable members in mind. The Regional Council has provided two resources for Communities of Faith as they discern their next steps:
Discerning Re-Opening Together Building Re-Opening Plan Template
Please note that the Regional Council Office continues restrict access, with staff working in their individual offices, or at home. Anyone visiting the office is asked to make an appointment ahead of time.
The news feed below includes Regional Council news about the COVID-19 pandemic, and some national updates.
Re-opening buildings: Planning and discernment resources
As we discuss opening our buildings to various gatherings and needs, and in-person Worship, we know that complex discernment and planning will be necessary. Lay leaders and ministry personnel will all need to be part of these conversations. To assist, here are new...
Letter to the AB government regarding re-opening of worship
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, In the name of the One whose Spirit equips us to do justice, act kindly and love God, greetings! On behalf of the Northern Spirit Regional Council (NSRC) of the United Church of Canada, thank you! Your passion and creativity for...
Re-opening resources from the national church
From the national church: An important three-part resource on “re-opening” considerations and practices. Thank you to the many people involved in thinking carefully about the many practical, spiritual, and ethical complexities of these decisions. As always, we are...
Re-Opening Recommendations
Our Executive Minister, Shannon McCarthy, has written a letter with general recommendations about re-opening of churches. Please read and share it here. A comprehensive resource from the General Council will likely be available next week and we will discuss it...
Updated national and Regional emergency financial information
The national church and Northern Spirit Regional Council have updated key information on emergency finances. National Your homepage for all COVID related finances is here. Updated information includes a new summary of United Church-related emergency financial...
Regional Council Emergency Financial Assistance during COVID-19
The Regional Council Executive met on April 20, and considered how the Regional Council might provide short-term relief to communities of faith during this time of pandemic uncertainty. In addition to emergency funding offered by the Government of Canada and the...
Congregational finances during the pandemic
On March 25 and 26 the national church offered several webinars on the many financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank Erik Mathiesen, David Armour, and David Jagger for also joining a presentation and check in for Prairie to Pine, Living Skies, and Northern...
Zoom Zoom Zoom – the Basics
A word about Zoom from your friendly Regional Council Zoom, Zoom, Zoom all the time! Zoom is software that lets groups of people meet with video and audio, or only audio. The United Church is using it non-stop during this Coronavirus pandemic. Many of our Regional...
Protecting Contact Information
Many communities of faith are gathering data from members and adherents to facilitate connections for worship, pastoral care, stewardship requests, and/or governance matters. Please think through your approach carefully, because (predictably) Coronavirus scammers are...
Calling a Congregational Meeting/Annual Meeting in special circumstances
Calling a Congregational Meeting/Annual Meeting in special circumstances (COVID 19) The United Church of Canada PDF version of this post 24 March 2020 When notice cannot be given in regular Sunday worship it because of the suspension of worship due to COVID 19, it...
