Covid-19
COVID-19 Updates & Information
Responding to COVID-19 with compassion, prevention, and prayer:
"We are called to be the Church…to love and serve others."
Watch this space for communication about GSJ COVID-19 Responses
most recent update: May 17, 10am
Planning for (eventual) re-opening
United Church of Canada has provided communities of faith with guidelines for a phased re-opening of churches and return to in-person activities, emphasizing safety at every step. The guidelines are available on the UCC
website. At its May 20th meeting, Glebe-St James Council will discuss how these guidelines might play out in our own church, with a particular focus
on the Fall.
Teresa's Sabbatical
For an updates on plans for Teresa's sabbatical (April 13 - Sept 1), check here.
Sunday Services
For the time being Sunday Services will not be happening at Glebe-St. James United. But just because we can't worship in person doesn't mean we can't worship! Each Sunday a virtual worship service is posted on our home page, as well as on our GSJ facebook page. Previous video services are posted on our "Sunday's" page.
E-Update
Sign up for the e-Update
to stay in touch with the week to week life and work of the church!
COVID-19 Outreach Fund
After it's initial $10,000 donation to four of its community outreach partners who are at the front line of providing support to people in the Ottawa area who are affected by COVID-19, GSJ is still accepting donations for continued support of these organizations. These donations are going to: Centre 507, Centretown Emergency Food Centre, Carlington Community Chaplaincy, and the Odawa Native Friendship Centre.
We have created a COVID-19 Outreach Fund to help finance this initiative. You can contribute either by using the donation button (make sure to specify that you are donating to the COVID-19 Outreach Fund!) or by leaving a cheque at the church office, using the mail-slot on the 650 Lyon Street South entrance door.
Check out our outreach page
for links directly to these organizations for updates of their activities! (updates added May 24, 10am)
In addition, Marilyn Hamilton has prepared a document on the status of various community aid organizations at the present - who's open, and who needs what kinds of help. We will continue to update this document (last update: April 16, 9am)
as we find out more! We are also posting information about local organizations (like the food banks) on our facebook page.
650 Lyon Street
The church building is being kept locked. GMS and other building users have all cancelled their programming.
- Jennifer will be in the office periodically to keep things going - she can be reached by phone or email; she will work from home on Mondays when Lori is at GSJ to keep our books up to date!
- You may drop items in through the mailbox slot – Jennifer will be checking it two or three times a week.
- If you do need to access the church building, there is a doorbell to the left of the Lyon Street Doors. Please call ahead to schedule a time with Jennifer.
Friendly Callers
The Friendly Callers are periodically checking in with people to see if they are okay, if they need anything and to let you know what is happening in and around Glebe-St. James. If you have asked not to be called in the past, they will not call you. If you're not on the GSJ call list, and would like to receive a call contact Jennifer
in the office, or use the "Staying connected" form below.
The Broader United Church on COVID-19
The ever expanding United Church toolbox for resources during the COVID-19 Pandemic is linked below. It includes suggestions for worshipping remotely, specific prayers and a message from the moderator.
"Discussion about COVID-19 is growing as confirmed cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) continue to spread. As a church, we have prepared the Emergency Plan to help communities of faith plan ahead for contingencies that may or may not arise, realizing that planning ahead is a way to reduce anxiety. We urge communities of faith to respond to COVID-19 with compassion, prevention, and prayer."
This call for compassion aligns with that of the Canadian Council of Churches.
The EOORC Region is doing a great job at aggregating information on their site. It's linked below. Please also see a letter
dated April 3, 2020, 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.
EOORC - COVID-19
Local News: Ottawa Public Health
To stay up to date on the COVID-19 realities here in Ottawa, look to the Ottawa Public Health Website. Check out the quick links along the right hand side to find answers to questions you might have regarding the best course of action.
