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Prayer Vigil for B.C. this Sunday, November 21st at 6:30 p.m. AST
To the Clergy and People of the Diocese, This morning our office received the following communication from the Primate’s Office about a Prayer Vigil for B.C. this coming Sunday. Please share in your parishes and among your networks. All are welcome to take part and/or to support other efforts as noted in the email. Please uphold the people of British Columbia in your prayers this Sunday and in the days and weeks ahead. Peace and blessings, +Sandra The Right Reverend Sandra Fyfe ~~~~~~~ Friends in Christ, Archbishop Mark and I are hosting an online prayer Vigil for B.C. on Sunday, November 21st at 2:30 p.m. Pacific (5:30 p.m. EST; 6:30 p.m. AST). The unprecedented nature of this disaster on top of so much this past summer of heat and fires is overwhelming to body, mind and spirit. Please join us as you are able – and share the information with your diocese - You will need to register for the service at: https://www.anglican.ca/news/primate-and-national-indigenous-archbishop-to-host-sunday-prayer-service-for-b-c/30036142/ If asked – here are several avenues for support for those affected by this current disaster: i) PWRDF – has set up a B.C. disaster fund – the allocation of the funds to be determined when the mid and long range needs are better known. https://pwrdf.org/pwrdf-accepting-donations-for-b-c/ ii) Sorrento Centre – is currently housing many of the evacuees from Merritt and the surrounding area. Government is covering housing cost but they need assistance with food costs, especially as food supply chains are disrupted and challenging. From Michael Shapcott, Director of Sorrento Centre: Here are three options for those who want to support our work with evacuees and people who are hungry: 1. Our on-line safe + secure donation line: www.sorrentocentre.ca/donate 2. Mail a cheque to Sorrento Centre, PO Box 99, Sorrento, BC, Canada, V0E2W0 3. Call our office at 250-675-2421 to arrange an e-transfer or with question. Please especially remember the Bishops, clergy and people of B.C. through the coming weeks and months. The recovery from this disaster on top of the effects of the summer fires and heat will require fortitude and perseverance to care for the most vulnerable people. With gratitude that the Christian family can, does and will surround our siblings in Christ in this time, +Linda The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls Archbishop and Primate Anglican Church of Canada (Photo via BC Transportation and Infrastructure/Facebook) |
Covid-19 Update
Dear Friends, Here you will find a summary of correspondence from Dr. Strang with particular focus on funerals and clarifying what is an essential service with regards to worship. It does not allow for any changes to the guidelines in place but may help with understanding how essential services and Proof of Vaccination requirements are determined. Remember that in those areas where our Guidelines and Provincial Guidelines differ, the stricter of the two applies. Thank you for all you are doing to help keep us all safe! From Dr. Strang (dated November 5, 2021): At today’s media briefing I informed Nova Scotians that the increased case numbers we are seeing are from several clusters of cases, primarily in Northern and Western Health Zones, related to several faith groups participating in a single multi-day event. This situation presents an opportunity to reinforce some key information on what is currently required in faith gatherings and events under the Public Health order and the COVID-19 Protocol for Proof of Full Vaccination for Events and Activities. Proof of Vaccination Proof of full vaccination is not required for a regular faith service, such as daily or weekly services. Services that are part of your faith’s annual calendar (such as Christmas and Easter services in Christian faiths) are considered the same as regular daily/weekly services – no proof of full vaccination is required. If a Remembrance Day service is combined with a regular daily or weekly service, no proof of full vaccination is required. But if it is an additional special service, then proof is required. Proof of full vaccination is required for participants (not officiants) at weddings, funerals and other ceremonies – even if they take place in a church or other faith facility. However, it is not required for indoor and outdoor funeral services with a maximum of 25 participants (not including officiants or funeral home staff). Proof of full vaccination is still required for visitation and receptions. As an aside, please note that we are currently not granting any exception requests for people to enter Nova Scotia to attend a funeral. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arriving must self-isolate for at least 7 days and get 2 negative test results in Nova Scotia to stop isolating. Proof of full vaccination is required for any events and activities hosted by a faith organization, including social time after a service, bible study, youth group, retreats, community meals, or fundraisers. It is also required when people rent/use the church’s facilities (like a hall or other rooms) for events like a wedding reception or leisure activities/clubs like playing cards. If a faith organization is offering space for mental health and addictions support groups or for programs and services for vulnerable populations, proof of full vaccination is not required. If faith organizations are offering food bank services, shelters, or meal programs for vulnerable populations (including dine-in), proof of full vaccination is not required for people accessing those services or for employees providing them. It is required for volunteers providing them. I encourage you to carefully review the protocol for further details. Please note that there are resources at the end that will help your organizations when you are hosting events and activities where proof of full vaccination is required. Masking The wearing of masks https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/masks/ in faith services and gatherings is required (in Nova Scotia) with the following exceptions: (a) is less than 2 years of age or age 2 to 4 years and their caregiver cannot persuade them to wear a mask; (b) for whom the wearing of a mask is not possible because of the person's medical condition; (c) is reasonably accommodated by not wearing a mask in accordance with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act; (e) removes the mask momentarily for identification or ceremonial purposes (e.g. post wedding ceremony kiss; receiving communion) (g) is an officiant (preaching) or performer (choir singing but not congregational singing) in the course of performing activities requiring vocalization such as talking or singing at the event or activity General information on other measures that you are encouraged to use and follow is at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/avoiding-infection/. If you have questions or concerns, contact Rev’d Ann Turner at executivedirector@nspeidiocese.ca. For more infomation visit:
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