March 25, 2020 Meeting Update
Communities of Faith are impacted by public health directives and government decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 25, United Church of Canada General Secretary Nora Sanders confirmed that church buildings were not named as essential in Ontario, and therefore need to be closed. No work can be done from the church except for a designated person to check heating, water and security for insurance purposes.
In our March 25th video conference, Harcourt Council discussed the impacts for our church community.
- We approved this motion: “That Harcourt Memorial United Church extends closure of our building until further notice due to the COVID-19 crisis, guided by public health advisories over the coming months.”
- Our staff team has worked creatively and speedily to learn and test different ways to communicate, supported by our Tech Team. Miriam and Jim started to produce taped messages at the church, and other staff members started to work from home. Now this week, different methods must be explored and tested for all staff to work off-site. We thank all who are contributing to these tasks. We ask others to allow some breathing space while we readjust plans made last week. Continue to watch for further updates when they become available.
- Council appreciates that other committees/teams and small groups are connecting within their circles. Experimentation continues in this changed world.
These impacts are significant. New ways of being church are appearing … and sometimes change daily. We are grateful for the support and contributions of all in our Harcourt community. Remember, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.
Blessings as you take care of yourself, those close to you, and our Harcourt community.
Lorraine Holding, Council Chair
