This week (June 10, 2022) the Eastern Synod provided new guidance with respect to Covid protocol. They have approved both indoor and outdoor gatherings and that social distancing is not required. The wearing of face masks is no longer a requirement but is still recommended. Communion may include bread and wine as long as the leader wears a mask and single cups are used. As we have from the beginning of this pandemic St. Paul’s will be following the Synod’s recommendations.
With this positive news Council has decided we no longer need to provide recorded services on-line every Sunday. Please join us in-person! Past services will remain on our web-site and future Special services will be recorded and posted.
From now on you will only be receiving Special Notice e-mails from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – not every Saturday as during the pandemic – so please open them right away!
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The Eastern Synod has communicated with all member churches regularly during this pandemic and we now attach a link to their latest publication: https://easternsynod.org/covid-19-update-march-10-2022/
We have continually followed their guidance and therefore highlight Bishop Pryce’s words therein: “I would encourage all congregations to continue using masks for the time being.”
This practice will continue at St. Paul’s to our Annual Meeting and possibly beyond. Thank you for your care for all others.
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An update… St. Paul’s Council has declared March 6, 2022 at 11:00 am as our Return to In-person Worship date. Please spread the word. Let us gather as a family and celebrate this next step towards “the good old days”.
Please remember that masking, hand hygene and physical distancing requirements continue, and that the Eastern Synod has given “strong support for vaccination”.
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Previous Notices:
We will Not be returning to In-person Worship yet. The Eastern Synod has stated we should wait until at least February 20. Our decision of when will be coming in the near future. This pandemic is unpredictable. A link to the Synod’s recommendation can be seen via: https://easternsynod.org/covid-19-update-january-24-2022/
Our original notice of Service suspension remains below.
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Due to the rising number of Covid cases, and the restrictions implemented by our provincial governments, the Eastern-Synod has issued a notice asking all Congregations to suspend all in-person worship services for at least 4 weeks, effective immediately.
This news is disheartening, but not surprising.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, in partnership with St. Peter’s, will be creating virtual services once again for all members, family and friends to view from your homes, or anywhere. Let us thank our organist Dan Amorim and Pastor Olaf Poulsen in advance for their dedication to our parish. Notice of our service’s availability on our web-site will continue to be sent on Saturdays.
The Eastern Synod’s communication can be read on their web-site via this link: https://easternsynod.org/covid-19-update-january-3-2022/ We will be receiving further direction before the end of January and will provide you with updates when available.
Offerings may still be mailed to, or delivered to, St. Paul’s or our Chair David Kachik (address on our web-site). Thank you in advance for your support.
Stay Safe everyone!
Blessings,
St. Paul’s Church Council