Amber Phase Guidelines at Christ Church (posted September 6, 2020 rev. Mar 21/21, Jun 16/21, Jul 16/21, Dec 15/21, Jan 6/22, Jan 30/22, Mar 13/22)

In mid-August 2020, the Diocese of Toronto released guidelines for the reopening of the churches.  These guidelines are common to all Anglican parishes in the Province of Ontario.  Christ Church did open for in-person worship on September 13, 2020 but with Peel going into lockdown November 23, 2020, in-person worship was suspended effective November 29, 2020.  On March 12, 2021 Grey Lockdown measures were amended by the Provincial government to allow for 15% capacity for in-person worship.  Christ Church did reopen for in-person worship on Sunday worship March 28 - April 18, 2021 (inclusive).  In-person worship was again suspended and resumed on June 20, 2021 initially at 15% climbing to 50%.  With another in-person suspension in January 2022, we re-opened for in-person worship in February 2022 at 50% capacity.

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New: 

• Effective March 13, 2022 registration will no longer be required at our In-Person service on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am.  This change is in accordance to Province of Ontario and the Diocese of Toronto's Spring Guidelines released March 3, 2022.  Amongst other public health measures, please note that masks continue to mandatory as does the use of hand sanitizer.   

• Effective February 6, 2022 we will be offering Sunday Worship both Online and In-Person at 10:00 am.  Our In-Person capacity is 50%, registration is required and all pandemic-related health protocols are in place for your safety (see below).

• Effective January 10, 2022 our building will be closed and we will move exclusively to Online Worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am.  We remain hopeful that this interval will not be too long.  Everything you need to worship with us online is available on our homepage.

• Effective July 16, 2021 Ontario moved into Phase III of its Reopening Plan.  Much of how we were operating since we re-opened for worship on Sunday, June 20, 2021 remains unchanged.  The salient change is the Ontario percentage restriction for capacity has been replaced with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres (https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario#section-2).    Further, the Diocese of Toronto has instructed churches within the Diocese to remain in Amber Phase for the time being in order to keep our churches safe for all that enter. 

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Christ Church has produced guidelines of what to expect as we resume in-church worship.  The guidelines come from a place of love, responsibility and a desire to be good shepherds of our parish family, to promote health and well-being.  Should the situation warrant it, the Diocese and/or Christ Church may make changes to these guidelines.

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How to register for in-person Sunday Worship

In-church worship requires pre-registration.  With reduced capacity there is a fixed number of people allowed in the building each Sunday.  To register:

1. Register on-line via our website using Eventbrite (see the link above)

2. Phone the office @ 905-451-6649 Tuesday – Thursday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

A household may sit together but one “ticket” is required for each individual.  Please be mindful of others and register only for the service you plan to attend and only register members of your own household.

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What to Expect

• New:  On September 17, 2021 the Diocese of Toronto’s Covid-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy was released requiring clergy, employees and volunteers to be fully vaccinated.   More can be read here.  This does not apply to people coming to attend worship.

• We will observe physical distancing guidelines and wear masks.  Please bring and a mask.  Masks will be available at church if you forgot to bring one.

• Greeters will assist with arrival, seating and exiting.  We ask that people enter through the glass doors and exit through the tower doors.  There will be access to the ramp.

• Please arrive early enough to allow some extra time to be seated.

• The offering plate will not be passed.   Offerings for blessing may be placed on the offertory plate as you enter the church.

• Prayer books and hymnals will not be used.    The entire service will be projected on the screen and congregational responses are in white text.

• New: Effective November 28, 2021 congregational singing has been re-introduced.  Masks must be worn.

• We will exchange the peace without physical contact.

• Communion will be distributed at the bottom of the steps and only bread will be distributed.  Clergy will wear masks during the distribution of the Eucharist.

• Kitchens, the nursery, the auditoriums, offices and Canon Allen Room will remain closed and locked. Please refrain from physically sharing the peace, shaking hands, gathering or lingering in groups outside the church before or after the services.

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How You Can Help

• Please stay home if you are ill, especially if you are exhibiting any of the symptoms known to be associated with Covid-19 or you have been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive with Covid-19.

• We strongly recommend that older adults and those who fall in at-risk populations participate in our on-line service.

• Children under ten must remain with their parents. 

• For children aged 4-12, Sunday School is offered on Thursday evenings on Zoom at 6:00 pm.  Please contact Tina Clarke for a Zoom invitation at:  tina.clarke.brampton@gmail.com .  Families can the worship together for Church Online or In-Person Sundays at 10:00 am.

• As you are able, please continue your financial support of the church worship, or by mail/drop-off/pick-up or using the “Giving” options on our website.  We offer both direct E-transfers and CanadaHelps.

• We appreciate your patience and support as we begin to gathering and worshipping together in a new way.

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What is the right decision for you?

We understand that the decision to return to in-church worship is not a one-size fits all.  This is a personal decision that you need to make for yourself.  We will continue offering “Church Online” for anyone who is not ready to resume in-church worship services.  For those who are ready to resume in-church, please familiarize yourself with and follow the Amber Phase Guidelines.

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In you have any questions or would like further information on our newly implemented guidelines please feel free to contact the Church:

By Phone:  905-451-6649

By Email:  christchurchbrampton@bellnet.ca

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Thank You

We are all “faithing” our way through this and figuring it out as we go.  I am grateful to be doing this with you and I am grateful to be your priest.  I am grateful for those who are working tirelessly to work out all “the bugs” namely our Curate, the Staff, Members of the Corporation and the Re-Opening Task Force.

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Thank you for your love, support and trust.  I am inspired by our collective faith, care of one another and the many ways we continue bear witness to Jesus in this time and place.  I look forward to being with you whether in person or on-line.  You remain in my love and prayers.

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Byron +

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Glory to God,

whose power, working in us,

can do infinitely more

than we can ask or imagine.

Glory to God from generation to generation,

in the Church and in Christ Jesus,

for ever and ever. Amen

(Ephesians 3:20-21)

 

All are invited | All are welcome | No experience required