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The Doors of St. Paul’s Have Re-opened - Sunday, September 13.
In a series of careful steps, the doors are re-opening and services and programs are being resumed - starting with Sunday Services. We are working toward the resumption of other services and programs over the next few weeks. However, because the virus remains active, safety guidelines are in effect and all online services will continue for the foreseeable future. Beginning September 13, four services are offered in the church. Ninety (90) people, which is 30% of capacity, are allowed in the church proper - main floor and balcony - at any one time. The hall, kitchen and rooms downstairs remain closed. Sunday Schedule: 8.00 a.m. (at the church) 10.00 a.m. (at the church) 10.00 a.m. - Sunday School (online - see the church calendar) 10.30 a.m. - English service (online - see the church calendar) 1.00 p.m. (Chinese) 3.45 p.m. (Tamil) - also being streamed. 6.00 p.m. - Evening Prayer (online - see the church calendar) Morning Prayer will continue to be offered on Zoom, Monday through Saturday, as of September 13th. Sunday School and the Sunday recording will continue to be offered. Safety Guidelines As required, St. Paul’s is following the safety guidelines issued by the Diocese of Toronto. Anyone is welcome to read the detailed guidelines available on the Diocesan website, but the following Ten Commandments are offered as a working summary: 1. Please do not enter the church if you have a temperature, feel ill or have been in contact with a COVID-19 positive individual over the past two weeks. 2. Reserve a seat - online ([http://www.stpl.ca)/]www.stpl.ca) or by calling the church office (416-499-1545). Maximum attendance is 60 on the main floor and 30 in the balcony. 3. Wear a mask. 4. On Sundays, enter and sign-in at Entrance A (the main church door). During the week, sign-in at Entrance C. 5. Wash your hands. 6. Keep your distance (six feet, except with your family or members of your "bubble"). 7. No singing. 8. No eating (snacks for children may be brought, but not shared with other children). And BYOW - "bring your own water". 9. Communion is in one kind (bread only) and in procession. 10. One at a time in washrooms and the elevator (with the exception of parents/guardians with children). Before and After - General cleaning by cleaning staff resumes as before, and between services trained volunteers will ensure that high-touch areas will be cleaned: door handles, bannisters, the top of chairs, etc.. Seat Reservations Due to a seating limitation of 30% capacity for group gatherings in the Diocesan safety guidelines, we request that you reserve a seat for Sundays. Registration is now open and available by calling the church office (416-499-1545) or by registering online here: https://stpl.ca/services.html Choose and click on the service you wish to attend and complete the registration. Kindly pass the word along to those you know who may wish to attend but do not have internet access. Other Services, Programs and Meetings - Gradually, we plan to resume other services, programs and meetings, but safely and carefully. Watch for updates and announcements. Summary - Due to broad cooperation across the country, the safety guidelines ensure that it is relatively safe to come back to church in the same way that it is now relatively safe to go to the grocery store, drug store, or hardware store. We are grateful to the Bishops and Diocese for their guidance. Small steps, but all in the right direction. And, as has been true all along, the situation remains dynamic. We’ll do our best to keep everyone updated. Thanksgiving Food Drive for ACSA. We are asking our generous members to help us help ACSA provide food for those in need. To donate, call (416-321-6912) or visit the website - www.agincourtcommunityservices.com. S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday Nights, 7 p.m. - Resumed September 18. Looking for Work - If you’re looking, or know someone who is, here’s the national job site: www.jobbank.ca Friday Night Bible Study - on Zoom - Next Friday, October 2. Revelation 11, Lesson 11. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/830877703 Telephone: 647-374 4685, or 647-558 0588; Meeting ID: 830 877 703 Have you moved? - If you have moved recently, kindly notify the office of your new address, phone number and e-mail address. We appreciate your help. Gifts and Offerings - The emergency measures and suspension of all church services and programs presents a large challenge to churches and charities dependent on regular gatherings and fundraising events. Your faithful support is as important now as it has ever been. Church Envelopes can be sent by mail. Members may wish to sign up for the Pre-Authorized Giving Program (contact the office). Or, gifts can be made online at our website through CanadaHelps here: www.stpl.ca/give.html. Members who use online banking may now also make E-transfers (contact the office). Contact The clergy of St. Paul’s are all in the vicinity. If any one of us can be of service, don’t hesitate to call or write. Website: www.stpl.ca; Church phone: 416-499-1545; Email: stpl@stpl.ca Fr. Dean Mercer: deanmercer@hotmail.com; Rectory phone: 416-497-6352 Comments are closed.
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