Halton region is now in the Red Zone, which means that churches may reopen for worship with the same restrictions that were in place before Christmas.  The Session considered reopening and has decided that in light of the threat posed by the variants not to do so.  Accordingly, there will not be services at the church up to and including March 14^th.  In mid March the Session will reconsider when to reopen taking into account what the situation is like at that time.  If anyone has any thoughts or questions they are encouraged to speak to either Shawn or one of the Session members.

In light of the present lockdown there will not be worship services at either Boston or Omagh for at least the next four Sundays. We will keep everyone posted when we know more details.

In light of the current situation the Boston Session has decided to have a on-line recorded Christmas Eve Service instead of an in-person one.  As a part of this if anyone has suitable pictures of either Boston or Omagh Churches in the wintertime or pictures of Christmases past at the church, please forward them to Shawn.  Pictures may be sent by email to scroll@sympatico.ca or hard copies may be passed along.

Normally we have a Food Drive on the first Sunday in December.  This year however we will not be collecting food for the local Food Bank.  Instead those who wish to support the Food Bank may make a financial donation through the church on either December 6th or 13th.  Of course, those who wish to do so may make a donation directly to the Salvation Army.

Omagh will be reopening for in-person worship services on Sunday, October the 25th.  The service will be at 11:00 but it should be noted that services will begin at 11:15 as of November the 1st.

In order to ensure a safe environment for everyone, the building will be sanitized both before and after every service.  In addition, protocols are in place including the following:

Hand sanitizers are available and must be used upon entering and leaving the building.

Seating is clearly marked to ensure social distancing.

Masks are mandatory, except if there is a medical reason for not doing so.

People may only sit with members of their own household.

Children must sit with whomever brought them and there will not be a Children’s Time or  Sunday School.

There will not be any singing.

There will not be any social activities after worship.

In addition, the sermon will continue to be posted on line for those who cannot or choose not to attend worship at the present time.

If there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact either Shawn or one of the elders.

Thanks!

Please note that from October 12 to October 19 , Reverend Croll will be on vacation. As such there will be no sermon posted next week.

Please note that from July 13, 2020 to August 4, 2020, Reverend Croll will be on vacation.

As you know, the Government of Ontario recently announced that Places of Worship may re-open for worship provided they follow certain guidelines and meet certain criteria. These include the use of the Sanctuary and what may or may not be done during the worship services.  These guidelines and recommendations are extensive and have a profound impact on how Sanctuaries are used and worship services conducted.

The Session met on Tuesday June 16^th and after extensive discussion centering around the changes that must be made, it was decided that it is best not to re-open at the present time.  This decision was not made lightly.

The Session will be meeting again in August to re-examine what will need to be done so that worship may safely resume.  We realize that the delay in re-opening for Sunday worship will be disappointing for some.  If you wish to, please feel free to contact either Beth or Shawn.

The Session will be meeting this week.  The main item of business will be to try to determine both a target date for reopening for Sunday worship and what policies and procedures must be in place so that we can do so safely.

One day Jesus was asked what religion and by implication what life itself is all about. He responded with the words of what we call the Great Commandment: we are to love God and our neighbours as much as we love ourselves, love simply meaning that we treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated.

We are now experiencing what is for most of us an unprecedented crisis and in these circumstances love of neighbour means limiting contact to try and stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus. For this reason there will not be worship services until further notice. Even so, just as love necessitates the halt of Sunday worship, love also means that the ministry of the church continues through such as prayer, phone calls and keeping tabs on people and especially the most vulnerable and at risk of our society.

God bless,

Shawn