Re-Opening
Stay Tuned!
Church Re-0pening Committee (CRC) Report
The CRC consists of Minister Christina Crawford, Jim Scherer—Property, Glen Starkey—Finance, Lynne Stott---Worship, Diane Hales---Outreach, Kathy Oulds---CE and Norm MacPherson---ARW Rep.
After some ZOOM meetings, and an on-site meeting at church on August 19th, the committee has reached some decisions which have been approved by the Unified Board. We appreciate the work that has already been completed by the staff, Christina, Debbie, Ruth and Darlene. As well, the Sunday morning Prayer Sessions, the YouTube worship services and the SPY Zoom services for the children/youth have maintained the “spiritual presence” of our church in the Forest community---and beyond! The main focus of our committee is to put physical changes and worship guidelines in place to re-open the sanctuary for Sunday worship. These guidelines are shaped by the regulations received from health officials, Lambton Shores council and the United Church of Canada.
We will re-open for worship on Sunday, September 13 at 10:30 a.m.
*Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, has tested positive for the COVID virus OR has been in direct contact with such a person AND has not self-quarantined for 14 days, should not be entering the church.
*Masks must be worn, and hands sanitized when anyone enters the church. (Some masks will be made available for those not arriving with one.) Deputy Mayor Doug Cook’s quote…”Hate to be the bad guy, but the only exception to wearing a mask, is when someone in taking communion. Having said that, common sense and physical distancing and communication among the parishioners might work...the municipality is not looking for 100% compliance, just respect for the bylaw, when possible.”
*The name and contact information of each person will be recorded upon entry.
*Entry must be made at the doors beneath the carport OR at the door off Jefferson Street.
*Fabric strips have been placed across all doors, and in all areas/rooms/pews that are “out-of-bounds” for all folks in order to maintain safe distance between worshippers.
*Volunteer greeters will be in place to direct the seating of the congregation beginning with the open front pews; this includes the use of the elevator for those requiring it.
*The offering will be collected in offering plates as folks enter or leave the service.
*To minimize the spread of the virus there will be no singing, no verbal visiting, no interactive worship between/among the congregation members---no hymn books or Bibles will be in the pews.
*There will be 2 common washrooms available, one across from the upstairs kitchen and one off the hall to the side of the choir loft which is for those sitting on the south side of the church.
*After the service, the congregation will exit, from the back, using the same door that they entered.
*No socializing inside the church or the parking lot will be permitted after church dismissal.
A video, giving a visual awareness of the procedures, is being developed, and a link will be placed here on our website. After September, we suggest that the Outreach Committee develop a list of greeters. The Finance Committee will be responsible for gathering/counting the morning offering. The CE Committee, in particular, the SPY teachers, will continue to have ZOOM services for children.
It is hoped that a continued sense of cooperation and Christian understanding, among all folks, allows for the successful return to services at Forest United.
P.S. Worship will continue to be available online for those who wish to worship from home.
Welcome Back...we have missed you!
From the desk of Pastor Christina
May 28, 2020
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4: 8, 9)
Dear Friends in Christ,
As our province’s leaders implement the first phase of re-opening Ontario, I pray that as things evolve, our leaders will keep the health, safety, and financial situations of Ontario families in heart and in mind. The Forest United Church board of directors all agree that, although we miss gathering together as a community of faith, it is unsafe to do so at this time, and we have formed a committee to make recommendations to our board about when and how to safely return to in- person worship. The Board will continue to meet monthly during the summer months to stay on top of the business of the church, which continues even though we are not physically using the space of the building.
Although we can’t be together physically, we can still be a gathered community virtually, and so we continue to worship online. I would like to extend a heartfelt invitation and an encouragement to join our live online prayer gatherings on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. You can access the meeting through your computers, phones, tablets, or Smart TV’s by entering the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/670249169 and following the directions on your screen or by telephoning (647) 374 4685 or (647) 558 0588 (Toronto numbers). As well, our weekly worship service is on YouTube and can be found at https://forestunitedchurch.com/online-worship, along with the prayer information.
On June 21st we will be celebrating the sacrament of communion during our online prayer meeting. All are invited to partake. Please have your own elements (bread & juice or wine) available for the service.
On another note, I want to extend my gratitude for the parade Forest United held for my graduation last month. The Region has now appointed me Pastoral Charge supervisor and a trustee of Forest United Church. My commissioning will be held at an online Regional gathering on the last weekend in October. All are invited to attend virtually. I will send more information about the meeting, as I receive it.
Until we see each other again, take care and stay safe. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” ((Philippians 4: 23)
Yours Faithfully,
Pastor Christina Crawford
Message From Ministry and Personnel Chair - Kathy Oulds
June 16, 2020
Hello,
I hope that everyone is staying safe and healthy during these different times.
As the province is slowing heading back to some what of our new normal. We are looking at how to protect our staff as they enter back into our church.
As you are well aware our church is still temporarily closed to the public but in the meantime our staff will be returning back to the office as of Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020. This DOES NOT mean we are open for business. This is only so our staff has access to materials they need. If anyone is in need to communicate with either Pastor Christina or Debbie please contact them on their cell phones or church number. Please DO NOT attempt to visit the church. Access inside will not be permitted. If items need to be dropped off or picked up, Debbie will be in contact with you and arrangements will be made.
Discussions have been had with all staff members to make sure we have the proper protocols in place and that everyone is comfortable with the situation. Darlene is still cleaning the church and ensuring that all rooms are disinfected and remain closed afterwards.
We are asking that all key holders PLEASE do not enter the church. If it is absolutely necessary we ask that you contact Pastor Christina or Debbie before hand so they are aware and can inform Darlene what might need to be wiped down again.
I know this is not how we would like to be operating but until we the church feel it is safe to once again gather at Forest United Church this will be our new normal.
Should anyone have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact myself. Below you will see all contact numbers necessary to be able to reach someone if need be.
Thank you all for your understanding and patience during this time.
Stay safe.
Kathy Oulds
Pastor Christina - 519-918-7885
Debbie McPherson - 519-381-1493
Forest United Church - 519-786-2514
Kathy Oulds - 519-381-6391
From the desk of Pastor Christina
April 2, 2020
Discover creative ways to encourage others and to motivate them toward acts of compassion, doing beautiful works as expressions of love. This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have formed the habit of doing, because we need each other! In fact, we should come together even more frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other onward as we anticipate that day dawning.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (TPT)
Dear Friends in Christ,
Over the past week, I have been inspired by the many Forest United Church folks who have met together over video conferencing, including our prayer team, the bible study group, and the visitation committee. Some people are meeting just to socialize. As well, the staff have been busy attending United Church regional meetings and online workshops, many of which are geared toward best practices as we respond in faith during the pandemic. I also heard that some of you created and delivered cards and letters to North Lambton Lodge residents, and some folks have taken the time to send each other Easter and spring greetings. Meanwhile, people are still reaching out by phone to touch base with and encourage those who are alone during this time.
As we near the end of our Lenten journey and move toward the victory of Palm Sunday, and on into Holy week - a time of special devotion to the passion of Jesus, I want to emphasize Paul’s words in his letter to the Hebrews. “This is not the time to pull away.” Do continue to “encourage and urge each other onward” in creative and loving ways. I think of you often and you are all daily in my prayers. Contact me whenever you need, through my cell phone 519-918-7885 or by email christinacrawford@execulink.com, or through social media.
Sincerely,
Pastor Christina Crawford
Cancellation of Services & Events
Effective Saturday, March 14, 2020
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Dear Friends in Christ:
In response to the call of governments and health officials, all gatherings and events at Forest United Church will be cancelled for 3 weeks and visitors will not be received at the office, which will be open to staff only. At the end of that time, the Executive board will meet to discuss the possibility of reopening. This decision has not been made lightly, but with an abundance of concern for our staff and the most vulnerable members. We want to be proactive about our responsibility to protect the vulnerable in our midst and to do our part to impede the progression of the COVID- 19 virus so that it does not unduly tax our health care system and put people at risk.
Many of you will be concerned about making your financial contributions to the church, as closing the church means a significant impact on our finances. If you are able, please continue to give so that we can meet our obligations. Since the office will be closed, please save your envelopes until we reconvene, or drop them in the mail.
We know that for many people the social isolation of not gathering together can affect wellbeing, so our visitation and outreach committees will be using alternatives to at home visits, such as online gatherings and phone calls. We know that God is in our midst in all the unique ways we gather during this time.
Since we won’t be worshipping together on March 15, 22, and 29, we will post links to online United Church worship services, and we will meet for bible study online. Watch our Facebook page and our website for links. We appreciate your faithfulness, and your compassion. We will soon be together. In the meantime, reach out to your neighbours and hold us all in prayer, just as you are held.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Pastor Christina through the office phone 519-786-2514 or 519-918-7885 or by email christinacrawford@execulink.com.
My continued prayers of concern are with you all.
Sincerely
Pastor Christina
(On behalf of Forest United Church Executive Board)
COVID-19 Information
March 13, 2020
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we continue to monitor the fast moving changes to the health risks regarding coronavirus (COVID-19), we are at a point where we are referring to the suggestions for Phases 5 and 6 in The United Church of Canada’s Emergency Preparedness plan.
https://www.united-church.ca/sites/default/files/emergency-plan.pdf (Check pages 13 and 14 of the document for phases and implementation process.)
The Board Executive is meeting Saturday morning at 9:30am to discuss best practices, and our plans moving forward. We will let you know as soon as possible the new changes that will be implemented. It may mean we will decide not to meet together for worship. We are looking at online alternatives, if that should happen.
I know we are all concerned about the health and wellbeing of our faith community, as well as the social isolation that can be felt if we do not meet for worship, and the executive will be sure to do everything we can to protect and care for the most vulnerable people.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Pastor Christina through the office phone 519-786-2514 or 519-918-7885 or by email christinacrawford@execulink.com.
My continued prayers of concern are with you all.
Sincerely,
Pastor Christina
We know many of you who attend Forest United Church are concerned about the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), and I want to share with you the steps we’re taking to make sure we minimize any risk at Forest United Church.
You may be aware the United Church of Canada has issued an Emergency plan making several recommendations. The measures we're adopting have been developed following best practices in dealing with COVID-19, advice from health officials, and The United Church of Canada.
Beginning March 11, 2020, Forest United is making the following interim changes to some of our routine practices and rituals in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Changes to Sunday Service
1. If you are not feeling well, please stay home.
2. Greeters will be instructed to welcome people with a warm and friendly greeting, yet will not be shaking hands or giving hugs.
3. Changes will be made to how we greet one another during and after worship. We will not be shaking hands or giving hugs.
4. Multiple bottles of hand sanitizer will be available throughout the building.
Sunday School Programs
1. Sunday school rooms will be stocked with hand sanitizer, waste receptacles, and tissues.
2. Children will be supervised as they wash their hands before having a snack.
3. Tables will be cleaned with soap and water following each use.
We have instituted these changes in the best interest of everyone who interacts at Forest United Church.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Pastor Christina through the office phone 519-786-2514 or 519-918-7885 or by email christinacrawford@execulink.com.
The United Church of Canada response is here https:
Blessings,
Pastor Christina Crawford