Last Updated October 21, 2021
In Ontario, we are allowed to reopen our facilities at a limited capacity, as long as we follow proper physical distancing and health protocols. We are doing our best to follow all the best practices and advice from health agencies. This includes regular cleaning protocols, having hand sanitizer readily available, requiring mask usage, using separate entrances and exits, and always maintaining a 2m distance between people from outside your household or bubble.
Each Sunday, we are holding services at 107 Main St., by sign-up only. Anyone can sign up at any time. We'd love to see you! The earlier in the week you can sign up the better, so we can organize things properly.
We also ask that if you are sick at all: please stay home. If you are particularly vulnerable to catching Covid-19 or developing serious complications from it, please use your good judgment on whether or not to attend. If you are not yet comfortable, we encourage you to continue to worship from home, following along with the livestreamed service at 9:00.
We know there are differences of opinions within our church family regarding the resumption of in-person ministry activities. Some will feel we are being too cautious. Others will feel that we are not being cautious enough. So we ask for your grace and understanding, and we appeal to you to seek unity and love in the midst of our differences. (Some very good advice on this can be read here or here) If you feel we are being too cautious, we ask that you still honour the health directives we’ve been given, in order to love and honour your brothers and sisters. And on the other hand, if you are not ready or comfortable to return in-person yet, we understand and will not pressure you to be here. "So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding… We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves." (Romans 14:19, 15:1)
We seek to answer a number of questions below, but if you have a question that is not addressed, please don’t hesitate to ask!
In Christ,
Your pastors and elders
FAQs
What time should I arrive and depart?
For the 9:00 service, you are invited to come anytime after 8:15. For the sake of cleaning and maintaining the right numbers, we do ask that you leave the church premises by 10:30. (As you leave, you will be asked to exit by the Evelyn Ave. doors) For those coming to the 11:00 service, please arrive anytime after 10:40, and depart by 12:30.
Will there be nursery or children’s ministry?
As of October 2021, yes! Nursery will be offered in both services. Sunday School (PK-G6) will be offered at 9:00. And Children's Church (3-5 yr. old) will be offered during the sermon in the 11:00 service. More instructions for how to register your children are on our Sunday sign-up page. But you can sign them up on Sunday morning at the children's check-in stations.
Do I need to wear a mask?
Yes. Ottawa Public Health has made mask use mandatory for indoor public places. So during any service times that are inside the facilities, we ask you to please wear a mask. Our staff and volunteers will be wearing masks. For the sake of others' consciences and health, and out of compassion for them, please wear one. Children under 2 years old and those medically unable to wear masks are exempt. See the full instructions from OPH here.
Will we be singing?
Yes. In the current phase of reopening, indoor singing is once again allowed. So we will be taking all the precautions we can to minimize risk, but we now feel free to sing to the Lord together. If you are still uncomfortable singing in groups at the present time, you are welcome to continue to worship (and sing along!) from home.
Will we celebrate the Lord’s Supper together?
Yes. We have resumed taking the Lord's Supper together using prepackaged communion supplies, which allows us to do so in a safe manner.
Is there anything else cancelled or on-hold?
Yes, there will be no official greeting times in-service, as we are not allowed to give handshakes, hugs, or kisses. There will also be no usage of the kitchen or café areas downstairs.
I’m elderly, immunocompromised, or otherwise vulnerable to contracting Covid-19. But I still want to attend. May I?
Yes, you may, but please understand that you attend at your own risk. If you do indeed want to come, we would highly encourage using masks or other personal protective equipment, limiting contact with any surfaces, and sitting at the very back of room or the overflow room.
I’m feeling a bit under the weather. Am I healthy enough to come?
According to the health guidelines we have received, anyone who is sick or has signs of illness (e.g. fever, chills, coughing, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, muscle or joint pain) should self-isolate. If you attend and exhibit symptoms of illness, you will be asked to leave.
Can we bring guests?
Yes! Please have them sign up, or include them on your own sign up.
