The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has forced congregations to consider alternatives to in person meetings when holding annual and congregational meetings. Whether holding an in person meeting, an electronic meeting, or no meeting at all, this document outlines a number of guidelines and things to consider as congregations plan for those events. At the same time, it also does not pretend to be a “how-to” process of holding a congregational meeting; as each congregation has its own traditions and practices, there is no “one size fits all.”
An electronic meeting may also be referred to as an online, virtual, or e-meeting. A meeting that is held where members are present both in person and by electronic means is known as a hybrid meeting.
Our congregations exist in four provinces, and include those incorporated federally or provincially, and those not incorporated. In addition, each province has its own public health and governmental authorities related to pandemic and emergency situations. Each congregation needs to keep abreast of the pandemic regulations in its own region, so that, for example, it knows the limits for how many people may gather indoors/outdoors for a meeting, while at the same time keeping in mind the space needed for physical distancing (among a number of other factors to consider).
Newsletters
Bill 226 (Schedule 6)
Dear Friends,
Buried in Bill 229, the Ontario Government’s Protect, Support and Recover from Covid-19 Act (Budget Measures), is a clause which seeks to limit the control Conservation Authorities have to protect wetlands, forests and other natural spaces. By doing so would give more control to developers to encroach on and develop these sensitive lands disrupting wildlife, the ability to manage flood control and limit the use of enjoyment for recreational endeavors such as hiking, fishing and simply enjoying nature.
You can read the content of Bill 229, Schedule 6 here:https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-42/session-1/bill-229
As people of God, we are called and entrusted to be careful stewards of the earth. Please consider adding your name to the growing chorus of voices seeking to protect that which has been entrusted to us. Simply click on the link below and follow the steps. Letters will be forwarded to MPPs across Ontario.
https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/71104/action/1?ea.tracking.id=webaction
Bishop’s Company 2020 Recap
In response to COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Bishop’s Company for Mission was convened in an online virtual format! We are pleased to share this video combining a prepared presentation and the Bishop’s remarks (beginning at 18:58).
Together with leaders from across our Synod (and special guests from Martin Luther, Toronto; Resurrection, Halifax; and St. John’s, Ottawa) Bishop Michael Pryse takes this opportunity to reflect on the current realities facing our church – and to dream dreams about the future!
Funds raised through the Bishop’s Company for Mission are used to support vital ministries of the Eastern Synod. Particularly in 2020, funds designated to the Bishop’s Company will allow the Eastern Synod to remain nimble and to quickly pivot to address pandemic-related needs as they arise.
If you would like to support the Bishop’s Company for Mission, you can make a one-time or recurring donation through Canada Helps: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/6472
Thank you for your continued support!
Image of Luther Hammering His 95 Theses is credited to: Ferdinand Pauwels / Public domain https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi… Music: “Dreams” from www.bensound.com
Stronger Together (Pandemic Edition)
Welcome to Stronger Together, the Pandemic Edition! Stronger Together generally brings together youth and young adult leaders from Dioceses and Synods from across the country to build community, worship and learn about issues facing Youth Ministry. This year we have moved our gathering online. While we know meeting online can’t replace an in-person gathering, we hope that more leaders will be able to participate this year because there will be no cost restraints.
November 24 – 25, 2020
Starting time – 10am Pacific / 11am Mountain / Noon Prairie / 1pm Eastern / 2pm Maritime / 2:30pm Newfoundland
Break (2 hours) – Noon Pacific / 1pm Mountain / 2pm Prairie / 3pm Eastern / 4pm Maritime / 4:30pm Newfoundland
Second Session – 2pm Pacific / 3pm Mountain / 4pm Prairie / 5pm Eastern / 6pm Maritime / 6:30pm Newfoundland
We have pulled together a program that looks at Youth Ministry in a Pandemic. Our topics include –
- Exodus and the Israelites time in the desert
- Innovation in Youth Ministry
- Self-care for Youth Leaders,
- Youth, Mental Health and Faith
- Theology of Social Media
- Worship
Stronger Together is an expression of the Full Communion relationship between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada. All Youth Leaders and Campus Ministers are welcome.
There is no cost for this event, but you will have to register by November 20th, 2020 to participate. All sessions will be held online. Details on how to participate will be send by email after we receive your registration.
If you can’t make the sessions when they are live, they will be recorded and posted to watch at a later time.
We look forward to connecting with you. If you have any questions please contact Gretchen Peterson gpeterson@elcic.ca or Sheilagh McGlynn smcglynn@national.anglican.ca.
A Pandemic Update from Bishop Pryse
Dear friends and colleagues,
I am writing to update you on recent conversations that I have had over the past two weeks with synodical leaders, Area Ministry Deans, rostered ministers and congregational leaders across the territory of our synod to discuss our experiences in resuming in-person worship. These conversations have been rich and fruitful and I am grateful for the insights, learnings, questions and concerns that have been put forward and would like to share some of those with you.
Read more →Our Ministry Together
‘Our Ministry Together’ is a new series of short videos intended to highlight and celebrate areas of our common mission across the Eastern Synod.
Each month we will spend time hearing from, seeing, and learning about our synodical ministries, many of which are funded through congregational benevolence.
In our first video, we hear from Rev. Christie Morrow-Wolfe about Youth & Young Adult Ministries. Despite a pandemic, learn how this area of our missional outreach has found a way to pivot and thrive! The gospel is shared – the good news proclaimed!
Thank you for your gifts of prayer and financial support!
This is, indeed, our ministry together!
We invite you to share these videos on social media, in virtual worship services, and during in-person gatherings. Videos can be downloaded through BOX.
For more information about the “Our Ministry Together” project, or to submit photos that highlight out Eastern Synod ministries for upcoming videos, please contact Rev. Adam Snook (asnook@elcic.ca)