SPECIAL NewsFlash – Friday, March 27, 2020

As we continue to collectively respond to the COVID-19 situation, please see below information on new and ongoing initiatives on SPUC’s response and a new GIVING THANKS section to share news amongst our church family:

NEW

  • The next SPUC Bible Study has been posted to the website. You can participate by clicking HERE.
  • We will hold our first online worship service this Sunday, March 29th at 10:30 a.m!
  • It will be offered on a software platform called ZOOM which a number of Canadian churches are using as their communities of faith come together to worship using their computers or their phones.
  • To join on Sunday via your computer, simply Join Zoom Meeting just before 10:30 a.m. by clicking on https://zoom.us/j/213251299 and follow the directions.
  • If you don’t have a computer but you want to hear what is being presented, you can listen in by dialing 647-374-4685 or 647-558-0588 and enter Meeting ID: 213 251 299.
  • If you aren’t able to join in on Sunday, the service will be recorded and a link will be posted later in the week on the Worship page.
  • A bulletin to support your participation has also been posted to the Worship page on the SPUC website.
  • SPUC Council will be meeting via the ZOOOM platform on Saturday, March 28th to determine the next steps in our local response. This will include reviewing recent information and direction from the Regional Council and the United Church of Canada.

ONGOING

  • We are closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.  The health and safety of everyone at St. Paul’s United Church Ajax is our highest priority and primary concern.
  • A Task Force comprised of the Minister, Past Chair of Council, M and P Co-Chair, the Director of Music and the Office Administrator are meeting to implement our local response following recommendations from the United Church of Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and local public health to monitor the risk and take protective actions as needed.
  • Signage has been posted at all entrances to the church building asking people to not enter if they have any COVID-19 symptoms and/or a recent travel history to an affected country.
  • Sunshine is following the public school directive and will be shutting down for a further two weeks after the March break.
  • The United Church of Canada has updated their website with resources on how communities of faith can meet online – see https://www.united-church.ca/covid-19.
  • UCC Moderator Richard Bott is offering an online worship service each Sunday for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak. This is a video-recorded service you can join via the UCC website or Facebook page.
  • We are using the church website – stpaulsajax.org – and SPUC social media pages – Facebook/Twitter – to provide updates and more information on the status of church events.
  • Cordelia is always available to offer pastoral support and guidance via the church office or email at revcordelia@stpaulsajax.org.
  • If you have any feedback on the best online platform to use for staying connected, please drop us an email at spucajax@gmail.com.
  • Even though the church building is closed, our shared responsibility to support the church through regular donations is still very important.
  • If you are not on PAR you can drop off you donations in a sealed envelope through the church mailbox on the south door. The mailbox is emptied on a daily basis.
  • Or you can click on the Support St. Paul’s box on the home page and donate via our PayPal account.
  • We have suspended production and distribution of The Epistle for the present time and will continue to use these SPECIAL NewsFlashes, the website, the phone tree and our social media accounts to share information.
  • You can always reach SPUC via the office at office@stpaulsajax.org or by leaving a message at 905-683-4740.
  • The phone tree volunteers – Linda Westendorp, Helen Dowse, Colleen McLaren, Bernie Rosebush, Janette Scott and Diane Fleming – are making weekly calls to share information and check in on people to see what support they need to stay healthy in their own homes.
  • A number of other groups are reaching out to support people with grocery shopping etc. One group that has been endorsed by the Town of Ajax is called Caremonger Pickering-Ajax.  If you are isolated or homebound you can call 1-888-573-0982.  By following the directions, callers will be connected with a volunteer who can coordinate with other people to provide help.
  • Please know that Sharon C is still taking Vandermeer orders until March 27th. Orders can be dropped in the church mail box on the south side of church. At the present time the goal is to invite you to pick up any plants at the church on Saturday, April 4th at 9:00 a.m.
  • Those people who submit orders will be contacted directly if the pick up instructions need to change.

GIVING THANKS

  • Amidst all the worry and uncertainty, Bill and Cath M have good news! They are pleased to announce the birth of two grandsons!  Their daughter Kiersti and her husband Justin welcomed baby Luke on February 25th.  Their daughter Martine and her husband James welcomed baby Logan on March 21st. All are doing well.

IMPORTANT LINKS