Important notice: this page is now archived.
Our updates have become infrequent enough that the newsfeed on this page is now archived. Please carefully check the date on any post that you view.
As always throughout this pandemic, we ask that you please refer first and always to provincial and federal sources, as well to your local government or band council and your Member of Parliament and provincial or territorial representative as needed. These sources shape our decision-making and responsibilities, and will guide responses from The United Church of Canada.
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: Emergency Planning. 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.
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...
Prayer in a time of pandemic
A prayer of gratitude and intercession in a time of pandemic (Credit: many writers and inspirations. Shared by Earl Reaburn, Northern Spirit pastoral relations minister, during our regional check-ins during Week One in Northern Spirit, Living Skies, and Prairie to...
Regional Council and Moderator check in meetings
We’re settling in for a (virtual) community marathon. Fortunately, Hebrews 12:1-2 gives us a model to follow. Prairie to Pine, Living Skies, and Northern Spirit Regional Councils will hold ministry personnel and lay leadership check-ins every week. Some may have...
Pastoral letter re COVID-19
PDF version of this letter Greetings to Communities of Faith and Ministry Personnel in Living Skies, Northern Spirit, and Prairie to Pine Regional Councils, We are writing at this time to say thank you for your leadership in this unprecedented time. We know that there...
COVID-19: special Regional Council meetings March 17-19, and updates
In this post: special online gatherings for ministry personnel and lay leadership on March 17-19 and beyond; updates on the status of meetings; updates on resources. Please share this widely! PDF version to share Special Regional online gatherings for ministry...
Regional Council statement on COVID-19 coronavirus
Dear Friends in Christ, Grace and peace to you all in this Lenten season. We write to you on behalf of the Northern Spirit Regional Council Executive and in the interests of well-being for all our Communities of Faith. Discussion about COVID-19 is growing as...
