by Michele | Dec 15, 2021 | Community, COVID-19, News, Regional Council, Resources, The United Church of Canada
Photo courtesy of Nick Fewings via Unsplash
Thank you for the care and attention you have given to an ever-evolving situation. It is difficult to face another round of uncertainty with the increase in Covid cases and the spread of the Omicron variant. Some communities of faith are re-examining their policies and re-considering their plans for Advent and Christmas.
As a starting point, check with your local health unit. Each health unit sets regulations based on transmission rates in their jurisdiction. Many health units have specific guidelines for worship including rules for singing, communion and masking of worship leaders.
To date, the provincial guidelines that came into effect on October 25th and were communicated in the October 26th regional council newsletter remain in effect:
Worship and Religious Rites
For worship and religious rites, communities of faith can either:
1) continue to welcome unvaccinated people provided that social distancing and capacity limits are followed OR
2) require proof of vaccination and lift social distancing and capacity limits.
Screening of attendees needs to continue.
The Medical Officer of Health has urged vulnerable people to avoid gatherings so please consider what on-line options might be provided for those who are not comfortable attending in-person worship.
Medical Care, Food, Medical Supplies
Proof of vaccination is not necessary. These are the only exemptions in the provincial legislation although some health units have reportedly also exempted AA and other 12 Step Program meetings. Please confirm with your local health unit.
Any Other Church Event, i.e. Meetings, U.C.W., etc.
These are indoor meetings and events and require proof of vaccination. Please make sure all attendees are screened in advance and provide proof of vaccination.
Tenants and Renters
Tenants covered by a lease are themselves responsible for complying with the legislation. The governing body may want to confirm with the tenant how they are complying with the legislation since as landlords they may have some liability risk.
One-off rentals may be the responsibility of the church. Churches should stipulate in any one-off rental contracts that the renter is responsible for complying with all COVID-restrictions then in place, including verifying vaccinations, as required.
Holding communities of faith and their ministry personnel in prayer as they face another round of decisions and remembering that, as Luke recounts the birth of Jesus, that was also a time of chaos and uncertainty. In this unsettled time, may you experience the wonder, hear the angel choir, and come upon Christ with us. God be with you.
Blessings,
Cheryl-Ann
Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa
EXECUTIVE MINISTER, ANTLER RIVER WATERSHED, WESTERN ONTARIO WATERWAYS AND HORSESHOE FALLS REGIONAL COUNCILS
by Michele | Dec 13, 2021 | Community, News, Regional Council, Resources, The United Church of Canada
photo courtesy of Dan Kiefer via Unsplash
The Regional Council Office will be closed December 24th through to January 3rd. Staff will not be responding to email or phone messages during that time. However, should you have an urgent, emergency situation, you can call 1-833-236-0280, ext 2 and leave a message. This voicemailbox will be checked regularly over the Christmas break.
Please note that many of the regional council staff are on holiday during the month of December and the first week of January and we appreciate your patience in receiving a response.
Wishing you a blessed holiday!
by Michele | Dec 7, 2021 | Community, Funds & Grants, News, Regional Council, Resources
We’re looking for amazing projects to fund through the second round of the My Main Street Community Activator program!
The program, funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, supports placemaking projects across southern Ontario in 2022, with reimbursements between $25,000 and $250,000.
Learn more by reviewing the application guide and apply by completing and submitting the application form. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2022.
We’ll also be hosting information sessions and events to encourage bold, ambitious projects that will drive economic activity and support the inclusion of equity seeking groups.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to placemaking@mymainstreet.ca. Or feel free to book some time with Cecile or Jared to discuss by phone.
Apply Now!
by Michele | Dec 2, 2021 | Children & Youth, Community, News, Regional Council, Resources, The United Church of Canada
United Church of Canada Foundation Annual Report 2020
by Michele | Dec 2, 2021 | Anti-Racism, Community, Global Community, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, News, Resources, Social Justice
Photo courtesy of Ravi Patel via Unsplash
The Government of Canada has launched the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) 2021-2022 call for proposals (CFP) for community-based projects across Canada. The online application and applicant guide is available on the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). For information, please consult the ESDC Funding Programs page. The deadline to submit applications will be December 21st, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. EST.
WHAT’S NEW FOR THE 2021-2022 CALL FOR PROPOSALS?
- One application stream: Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding. New applicants and organizations that have not been funded in the past five years are encouraged to apply.
- To simplify the application process and provide funds to communities more rapidly, organizations will need to complete and submit their application online. The deadline to submit is December 21st, 2021.
- Organizations will be invited to apply for funding that supports the program’s national priorities:
1. Supporting healthy ageing
o Including addressing social isolation, including through supporting seniors’ digital literacy, addressing ageism, mental health and dementia, and by developing and delivering virtual programming for the above.
2. Preventing senior abuse
o Including helping seniors navigate access to government benefits and providing support to file their taxes, supporting financial empowerment of seniors, and measures to reduce crimes and harm against seniors.
3. Celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion
o Including promoting intergenerational mentoring and engagement, and serving members of the following vulnerable groups: Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of racialized and newcomer groups, members of LGBTQ2+ communities, low-income seniors and veterans.
4. Helping seniors to age in place
o Including providing practical supports to seniors to help them remain in their homes longer.
by Michele | Nov 26, 2021 | Community, News, Regional Council
Advent and Christmas Greetings from President Jane
Lists! Grocery lists. “Honey-do lists.” And, at this time of the year, Christmas lists. I wonder what’s on your Christmas list or that of your children, your grandchildren and other family and friends with whom you exchange Christmas gifts.
Two years ago, my theatre friends and I were sitting in the Grand Theater in London waiting for the Christmas show to begin. Barbara, who works for Canada Post was telling me about the letters that come into the post office where she works. In particular, she was talking about letters addressed to Santa, the North Pole, HOH OHO – Ho! Ho! Ho! The letters, in the form of Christmas lists, are sent by children living in hopeful anticipation of that great day coming.
As the grandmother of a pre-schooler, I was curious to know what was trending. What do children have on their Christmas lists these days? The answer Barbara gave was not the one what I was expecting. One of the letters received included two Christmas lists, presumably from siblings. On the one list there were 28 items listed. Every item listed began with “Santa, I want.” The other list identified 6 items. The message to Santa began, “Dear Santa, I would like any one of the 6 items listed. You choose.”
Trying to imagine Christmas morning in this unidentified household, my hunch is that the child who would like anything from among the six items listed, may have had a happier Christmas morning than the child who wanted all twenty- eight things listed.
What’s on your Christmas list?
In part, the lectionary appointed faith stories during Advent point to difficult times. They also encourage us to prepare ourselves, our hearts, our minds and to be ready for the good things yet to come. Fear not! Good news of great joy awaits you!
During these Advent days of waiting in hopeful anticipation of good news of great joy, we do so in a time of pandemic living; in a time of climate change as evidenced by floods and fires destroying the earth and claiming lives and property; in a time of racism and vigilante justice. In times such as this we are called to prepare, to be ready. Fear not!
My prayer this Advent season is that our Christmas lists include the gifts of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. My prayer is that these gifts, the gifts of Christmas, will be given generously and received graciously by all people that on earth do dwell.
To each of you the members, friends, and communities of faith within the Antler River Watershed Region, may the Advent season and the celebration of Christmas fill your hearts with joy and wonder sustaining you in the year ahead.
In Faith & Hope,
Rev. Jane Van Patter
President, Antler River Watershed Regional Council
