A Message from Executive Minister Treena Duncan

Last week Author and Lutheran Minister Nadia Bolz Weber published a sermon called Between Exhaustion and the Deep. It’s based on Luke 5 where Jesus encourages fishermen who are tired after a night of unsuccessful fishing to throw their nets into deep water again.

In Luke’s telling, Jesus sees two boats at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Jesus gets into the boat belonging to Simon and asks him to put out a little way from the shore. Then Jesus teaches the crowds from the boat. When he finishes speaking, he says to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”

Simon (Peter) answers, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they do this, they catch so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. Bolz Weber goes on to reflect what it must have been like to be the disciples, exhausted and disheartened from an unsuccessful night of fishing, and being sent back out to fish deeper waters. Her powerful reflection (which I encourage you to read) reminds us that “we are indeed in the space between exhaustion and the deep, and facing the deep can be terrifying and we may long to return to the shores of 2019… and yet we can know that we will not be separated from the mothering, protective love of God.” 

We are entering yet another new phase of this pandemic, in the context of divisions and protests that threaten to damage the fabric of society. As a Church, we are called to be a prophetic voice in society, reminding each other that love is an all-important value.  We are being called into the deep, as it were, but as always, we are reminded that we don’t go there alone. I encourage you to turn to faith and to one another. We walk this journey together with an ever-constant God who will never fail us.

On Tuesday, the Government of Alberta announced that they will be lifting the restrictions that were in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For us this means that effective immediately, there are no restrictions on the numbers attending worship and proof of vaccination is not required. Masking remains mandatory. (Note that for those 12 and under masking will not be required beginning February 14, 2022).  While some of you have already returned to in-person or hybrid worship, many of you have not, and will be faced with making a decision about a return to in-person worship in the coming days and weeks. 

As you make decisions the Region recommends the following:

• Be cautious, the virus is still present and spreading.
• We have consistently recommended choosing caution to protect those most vulnerable among us.
• Please keep this as a core value in your decision-making process.
• When gathering, continue to manage distance.
• Wear masks with a minimum of 3 layers.
• Within reason, do what you can to improve ventilation.
• Minimize singing. Soloists and choirs should be distanced from the congregation, and congregational singing must be masked.
• Keep services on the shorter side.
• Use only single-serve communion (not a common loaf or cup)

I, and the entire Regional staff team, are available to respond to your questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Blessings,

Treena Duncan,

Executive Minister, Chinook Winds and Pacific Mountain Regional Councils

The post Responding to Changes in Provincial COVID-19 Restrictions appeared first on Chinook Winds Region.

Friends,
I have been receiving many emails wondering whether it’s safe to continue to gather in person. Throughout this pandemic, we have been called again and again to make difficult choices, to wade through the politics and rhetoric to get to the grain of truth which will lead us toward the best next step on this journey.  Our public health officials are working very hard to keep us safe, to protect our health care system and to protect our elders.

Dr David Keegan, a committed United Church member, Alberta doctor and professor at the University of Calgary, reached out to me to offer some wisdom and guidance for the church. He is calling on The United Church of Canada in Western Canada to be leaders in the fight against Omicron.

He said, “I suggest that the United Church has the opportunity to save many lives, prevent hospital admissions and long-term disability, and to focus on the social justice and life orientation of Jesus by switching to online services for Christmas/Christmas Eve. Let’s give the gift of life this Christmas.”
Dr Keegan goes on to say:

• “For anyone unvaccinated or partially vaccinated (or even for some who have two shots), Omicron is a severe threat to life and health, just like the previous variants.
• Omicron spreads incredibly rapidly, even with measures such as those in Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
• Omicron (and all COVID) is airborne, which has been known for over a year, but which many governments have been loathe to acknowledge
• Omicron’s doubling time is moving at a record pace
• Testing numbers lag and are usually far less than the actual case numbers
• Previous research indicates that if a daily case count is rising, there is 10 to 100 times of new infections really in the community – people who have simply not yet developed symptoms and/or not tested.  This is supported by the fact that our positive case rate (i.e. percent positives of all people tested) has suddenly jumped to over 11% in Alberta, when just a week ago it was 4%.  When the positive case rate jumps like this, it means there are likely lots of people out there who have COVID.  Let’s be conservative and only use the 10x number.  This brings us to 36,000 NEW cases of covid TODAY in all of Alberta.  This means we’re looking at 288,000 NEW cases on Christmas Eve alone – most of whom don’t know they have the virus.
• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day gatherings – even if most people have two vaccines are essentially guaranteed to be super-spreader events.  In other words, thousands or tens of thousands of cases could directly arise from allowing Christmas in person events at UCC churches, including many deaths and many more people with resultant disabilities.”

Presently, the restrictions for Places of Worship have not changed: in Alberta we can be at one-third capacity; in BC we can be at 100% capacity with vaccine passports or 50% without.  However, again, we are called to a higher standard to care for our members. While the pandemic has unfolded differently in the two regions I serve, I believe Dr Keegan’s wisdom goes beyond regional borders. This pandemic has gone on for longer than any of us could have ever imagined.  We are all tired of restrictions and we just want things to go back to ‘normal.’ But we are led by one who calls us into difficult choices and walks with us through these challenging times.

So, what do we do about Christmas Eve?  Minimally, we need to ensure that we follow all the provincial restrictions, wearing proper masks (N95 masks are the gold standard) have good ventilation and ensure proper measures for distancing.  Please do not have communion (this requires people to remove masks) or hold post worship gatherings. 

But I also invite you to take up Dr Keegan’s challenge and consider moving your service online to ensure that our places of worship are not a source of virus transmission.  And as always, we know: We are not alone!

Christmas Blessings,
Treena

Executive Minister, Chinook Winds and Pacific Mountain Regional Councils, The United Church of Canada

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Since the pandemic’s start, McKillop United, Lethbridge, has sought out ways to be a community hub of COVID life basics. This meant giving out thousands of volunteer-made cloth masks, having a team of enthusiastic volunteers safely deliver prescriptions and groceries to those unable to get out and producing special worship and music services to help with mental wellness. Our most recent community outreach initiative aims to help people book vaccines and spread awareness that vaccines are available.

In my role as senior pastoral care and community connection coordinator, I am in contact with many of the members of our congregation in the generation that has now qualified to receive a vaccine. Those in care homes have almost all received at least their first dose of vaccine as they were first in line according to the province’s roll-out. The mindsets of these people pre- and post-vaccine have gone through quite the evolution. In conversation with the seniors pre-vaccine, morale was very low and feelings of hopelessness at the thought of the new restrictions on their lifestyles never-ending grew intensely month after month. Post-vaccine, the thought of “the end being near” is a sentiment that is widely shared. After a year of being in the pandemic and feeling “stuck,” the vaccine has provided a source of pride for these people in a way symbolizing that “we made it!” Those not in care homes are responsible for booking their own vaccines, that’s where we come in. While only three people directly asked us to book appointments for them, others have booked appointments themselves or have someone assist them after our conversation.  A conversation that includes a gentle reminder that vaccines are available and effective can go a long way. Chief Medical Officer Dr Deena Hinshaw’s talks do not always permeate into our homes.

Not everyone that I’ve talked to has been excited about getting vaccinated.  Factors such as the booking process, standing in a line, waiting for months between doses, and still having to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status can make getting vaccinated seem unappealing. Social media has spread rumours about vaccine content and the alleged hidden motives of governments vaccinating their populations. Sadly, these messages have crept into the minds of some of our community members.

“Dose by dose, we are fighting back against this virus. The vaccine does not promise a return to pre-pandemic times but it does offer all of us a path forward. I am confident we will get there, even if it happens one conversation at a time.” — Sarah Dalby, McKillop United Church

What can we do about this? With any pastoral care task our first duty is to listen, listen contemplatively and wholly. Let the person explain why they are scared and what they have heard. Then, without passing judgement, pass along some facts. The vaccine does not guarantee immunity, but it has been proven to prevent hospitalization. These vaccines have gone through rigorous testing and have been approved by the same processes that prescriptions and every other vaccine we get are tested. Yes, there are many companies making vaccines, but any of the ones that have been approved are “worth” getting. Yes, masks will still have to be worn for the foreseeable future. Yes, getting vaccinated IS worth it.

Conversations may not be the determining factor in achieving a mass-vaccinated community, but they can be a factor. For some people in the vaccine-eligible age group, whether or not to get a vaccine has felt like the first choice they have gotten to make for themselves in over a year. It will be a slow process but dose by dose we are fighting back against this virus. The vaccine does not promise any of us a return to pre-pandemic life, but it does offer all of us a path forward. I am confident we will get there, even if it happens one conversation at a time.

The post Pastoral Conversations Support Vaccine Participation appeared first on Chinook Winds Region.

Friends,

As news reports on the COVID-19 virus continue to change, I would like to commend you, the Ministry Personnel and Lay Leaders in our communities of faith who have put into place guidelines to keep people safe and to deter the spread of the virus. Stories have reached our office of people demonstrating hand-washing techniques during Sunday Storytime, finding creative new ways to greet people or pass the peace, putting up hand-washing instructions beside sinks and ensuring people know your guidelines by sending them out in special newsletters to congregants.

In making changes in the way we gather in the coming weeks, we can help contribute to the health of the whole body. Thanks for your understanding of this commitment.

The United Church of Canada’s Emergency Plan  asks that all communities of faith have a plan or guidelines in place. If your congregation has not already done so, I would suggest that your leadership put guidelines in place that suit your context. In my email on Saturday, March 7, suggested guidelines were included. Our office has continued to expand on those suggested guidelines with your input and you’ll find those guidelines HERE and below.

While I am currently in Alberta as the Chinook Winds Regional Executive meets today, yesterday I took part in a one-hour telephone meeting of some 128 faith group leaders with the British Columbia Minister of Health Adrian Dix and that province’s Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry.

Their message to faith leaders was: Be cautious and Stay Connected. They saw the valuable roles that communities of faith play in ensuring healthy lives of individuals and in protecting the most vulnerable ones among us. 
They emphasised the healthy practices already outlined in the Chinook Winds guidelines.

These health government representatives are not asking faith groups to cancel worship at this time; they are concerned about social isolation. They did, however, ask us to consider this question when planning events, ‘do we need to hold this event right now?’ Gatherings of more than 250 people are not recommended.

I trust that each Community of Faith will continue to live life and take precautions based on the needs of the wider community. May the peace which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God especially today.

Treena Duncan, 
Regional Executive Minister, Chinook Winds and Pacific Mountain Regions

Guidelines for Communities of Faith in Chinook Winds Region regarding COVID-19 PDF VERSION HERE

1. As public health professionals continue to remind us, the best defense against COVID-19 is to practice good flu season hygiene which includes:
2. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
4. Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
5. Cough and sneeze into your sleeve and not into your hands.
6. Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.

2. In terms of Worship and other church gatherings

       •     encourage people who are sick or experiencing flu-like symptoms to stay home. Further, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Deena Hinshaw requested on March 12 that people returning to Alberta from any international location including the United States self-quarantine themselves for 14 days.

•    Make alcohol-based hand sanitizer available in the worship space and throughout the church building for all to use.
•    find alternate forms of greetings and ways of passing the peace that don’t involve skin-to-skin contact. 
•  find alternative methods for the offering than passing the plate from hand to hand
• Take precautions to reduce the number of people touching communion elements and trays or do not serve communion.
• Use individual communion cups rather than a common cup with grape juice.
• Encourage people who use church buildings to wash their hands and post reminder signs throughout the church.
• Regularly wipe down commonly used areas touched by churchgoers, like door handles, pew tops, and railings, regularly.
• Continue to follow provincial health code regulations regarding food services and washing dishes
• Buffet-style serving of food is not advised.

      3. Pastoral Care

•  Pastoral care visitors should take all necessary precautions in personal hygiene before and after pastoral visits in hospitals and homes.
• Remain in contact with those who may be vulnerable or quarantined to ensure that they have their spiritual, social and physical needs attended to. While it may not be possible to visit in person, phone calls and written notes are options as well as others for keeping in contact.

4. Please stay home and get medical help if you are experiencing ALL THREE of the following symptoms of COVID- 19: Fever; Cough; Difficulty breathing.  Contact Health Link at 811 to receive direction.

5. Planning Ahead. In the event that health officials ask that public worship services not be held, The United Church of Canada’s emergency plan suggests that communities of faith plan for alternative ways of offering worship i.e. planning prayer services that people can do at home or offering worship online.

The post Update on COVID-19 appeared first on Chinook Winds Region.