COVID-19 Action Plan
Dear Friends. Recently, I was writing to you to lay out precautions so that we could safely gather together as a community of faith. It seems inconceivable, but today I am writing to advise that, after having consulted with the Official Board, all gatherings at Tottenham and Rich Hill United Church will be cancelled.
This decision has not been made lightly, but with an abundance of caution for our most vulnerable members. The following activities will NOT be happening for the next 3 weeks:
Sunday morning worship,
Soup N Bun
Faith Discussion Group
Scheduled Committee Meetings will happen on-line
We will take the lead of the provincial government. When schools re-open, the church will re-open.
I ask the UCW to carefully consider whether to meet in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, though…
The sanctuary will be open during regular worship hours on Sunday for anyone who would like to come for quiet prayer or to talk. I will be there so long as I do not pose a threat by having come in contact with the virus.
I am always available by phone.
A reflection and prayers will be posted on our website at www.tottenhamrichhill.com along with any important information about the church community.
Just to be clear, we are not taking this drastic step out of fear. We feel it is our responsibility to protect the vulnerable among us and to do our part as citizens to arrest the advancement of the virus so that it does not unduly tax our health care system and put others at risk.
A couple of weeks ago I said “we are because we gather”. Who knew just a couple of weeks ago how quickly and vastly our world would change. We will have to refresh our perspective on the phrase “where two or three are gathered, I am there” and let it mean where two or three are gathered on the phone, by email or social media, knowing that God is in the midst of us no matter where we are.
2 Chronicles 2:20 says: ‘Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before You and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us.’
Finally, closing the church means a significant impact on our finances. If you are able, please continue to give so that we can meet our obligations. You can click on the “Donate Now” button above. Thank you.
Thank you for your faithfulness, for your compassion and your caring. We will soon be together. In the meantime, reach out to your neighbours and hold us all in prayer as you are held.
God Bless, Patti