COVID-19 Updates and Resources
We are collecting information about the COVID-19 virus and its effects on the EOORC and the United Church of Canada.
New information will be posted here as soon as it becomes available.
UCC Updates
Governance during the Pandemic Information and documents related to the temporary amendments to pastoral relations policies
Reopening Churches During COVID-19 Guidance for those responsible for making decisions in all parts of the church, and things to consider before moving from one phase to another. As of May 7, 2020.
United Church Emergency Support. Denominational ways to bridge the financial strain on communities of faith.This is a short-term emergency loan program for congregations during the pandemic.
COVID-19 letter from Rev Adam Hanley – April 20 A letter from Rev Adam Hanley, Program Coordinator for Ministry Personnel Vitality
Congregational Finances During the Pandemic Webinar Join us for up-to-the-minute information on wise ways to manage the financial impact the pandemic is having on our congregations.
Congregational Programming During the Pandemic Join us for some expert tips on making your online worship a meaningful experience for your members and those who are tuning in for the first time.
From Moderator Richard Bott Folow-up to Easter Appeal
Some good information here: Keeping congregational finances on track during the pandemic
If you missed the webinar, Congregational Finances During the Pandemic, you can view the recording here.
Moderator’s Easter Message 2020 Blessed Eastertide, beloved. Remember: Christ is with us.
National multi-faith prayer effort hopes to unite Canadians. Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast and Rabbi Dr. Reuven P. Bulka, former co-president of the Canadian Jewish Congress have co-authored a National Prayer for Canada
Indigenous Elders write to the church on COVID-19 March 26, 2020
Clarification: Ontario churches can stream worship from their buildings March 26, 2020
Letter from the Reverend Alan Hall, Executive Officer Ministry and Employment General Council Office March 20, 2020 about Ministry Personnel during the crisis.
Resources for Worship & Well-being During COVID-19 Communique from UCC, March 19, 2020
Pastoral Letter to Ministers and congregations on Covid-19 March 16, From Nora Sanders, General Secretary, UCC
From Moderator, Richard Bott March 13, 2020, Letter
United Church of Canada Statement, March 5, 2020 COVID-19
Website for Église unie du Canada
Resources
Faith Communities and COVID-19 Tips and resources for members and congregations during the COVID-19 pandemic from the United Church of Canada General Council Office. Please keep checking this page as it gets updated frequently.
Offering Support in Anxious Times by Rev. Diane Strickland. Diane is a Certified Community and Workplace Traumatologist & Critical Incident Responder and in this article offers advice to church leaders as they continue to serve their communities during COVID-19.
Worship Online during COVID-19
Tips and resources for members and congregations
Guidance for congregations in this time of COVID-19
United Church of Canada Emergency Plan
From Morneau Shepel, our Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) provider:
- CoronaVirus_Tips to protect yourself and others_English
- CoronaVirus_Tips to protect yourself and others_French
- COVID-19 how we can help English
- COVID-19 how we can help French
LifeWorks EFAP website
EOORC Updates
Government of Ontario April 3, 2021
- COVID-19 shutdown: enhanced public health and workplace safety measures
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Weddings, funerals and other religious services, rites or ceremonies
- physical distancing must be maintained
- guests must wear masks or face coverings
- capacity limits:
- indoors: 15% capacity of the room
- outside: the number of people that can maintain two metres physical distance from each other
Drive-in services, rites or ceremonies permitted, subject to certain conditions. Virtual services permitted.
COVID-19 and Reopening for In-church Worship
A letter from Rev. Whit Strong, Pastoral Relations COVID and reopening – March 15, 2021
COVI9-19 and Return-to-Work Expectations
Q&A from Rev Marlene Britton, Ministry and Employment Unit, United Church of Canada COVID-19, employees
Holding Annual General Meetings in 2021
At the 2021 Winter Meeting on February 27th, Rev Rosemary Lambie gave a presentation about holding AGMs in 2021 while the pandemic continues. Her presentation can be viewed here: Annual Meetings Presentation by R. Lambie
Ontario Province Wide Shutdown, beginning December 26, 2020
See page 7 for rules about religious services: provincewide-shutdown-deck-december-21-2020-final
Quebec Guidelines
https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/
Pulpit Supply
EOORC Pulpit Supply for Communities of Faith December 9, 2020
Recalling Laid Off Employees
A message from Rev Whitman Strong, Pastoral Relations, August 24, 2020 Recalling laid off employees
Ottawa Public Health
COVID-19 Guidance for Places of Worship
Marriage Licenses
“Safely Opening Our Churches” June 15, 2020
Letter From Rev Whit Strong providing direction and resources on how and when to open churches in the EOORC
Communique from EOORC Executive and Finance Committee
Three important items of information for Pastoral Charges and Communities of Faith: Finance communique, April 17, 2020
Ottawa Communities of Faith
You can add your online Easter Worship Service to the link provided in the article. Where to watch Good Friday and Easter Sunday services online
A letter from Rev Rosemary Lambie, Executive Minister
The letter contains important information for all Communities of Faith about the status of the EOORC and the UCC during the crisis.
COVID-19 Letter from Rev Lambie, April 3, 2020
ZOOM Care!
If you are having a lot of meetings on Zoom these days, have a look at these two documents provided by David Stafford, who teaches at Algonquin College.
Resources for Youth and Children
Dana Ducette, YAYA Minister has compiled a list of useful resources and activities for children, youth and even adults.
Zoom Conversation for EOORC Ministry Personnel
Join Whit Strong every Thursday on Zoom every Thursday at 1 p.m. until May 14. Sign in here: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/957231406
2020 Annual Meeting News
Tuesday, March 24, 2020 In the past few weeks, the EOORC executive has been discussing the pandemic, taking votes and trying to secure another date and place for the Annual Meeting. A decision has been reached that the meeting is postponed until October 16 and 17, 2020. Further, the executive confirmed that the meeting will be held at the Nav Centre in Cornwall. The Celebration of Ministry will be held at Knox-St. Paul’s United Church, Cornwall on Saturday evening October 17, 2020.
The current Executive will continue to provide leadership until the October elections have been conducted. More information will be forthcoming once life settles down and the planning team has made adjustments. Questions about registration can be directed to ajansman@united-church.ca.
Updated Letter from EOORC Sub-Executive, March 18, 2020
Letter from the EOORC Sub-Executive, March 15, 2020
EOORC Worship Services Online
Please see a list of Communities of Faith who have online worship services.