A Place to Worship Since 1805
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Latest update from the ArchBishop here.
For the Birds Contest info here.
Primate’s Prayer for NS here.
See the top menu option – Resources for Worship at Home – for audio links to services and other ways to help you stay connected with God during this difficult time or when you cannot get out to church.
Further Announcements by Dr. Robert Strang & Premier Stephen McNeil
June 18th, 2020
The following email was received this afternoon from Dr. Robert Strang and will be of particular interest to clergy in Nova Scotia. Prince Edward Island has announced that the limits on public gatherings will increase to 50 persons as of June 26.
Blessings,
+Ron
Dear Religious/Faith Community leaders,
I wanted to make you aware of the announcement made earlier today that increases to 50 the number of people that can gather while maintaining 6 feet of physical distance, including for religious/faith services.
The “household bubble” is being replaced with the ability for groups of up to 10 people to get together without needing physical distance so within the total number of 50 you can have sub-groups of up to 10 people that can be in close contact. We are strongly encouraging people to limit the number of “close social” groups they have and ideally to only have one.
This is a first step to increase people’s ability to worship together and I anticipate further significant steps in the very near future.
Please feel free to distribute this email to other religious/faith leaders that are not included on my distribution list.
Dr. Robert Strang
COVID-19/HEALTH/WELLNESS–New Gathering Limits Announced
Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health for Nova Scotia, announced today, June 18, changes to gathering limits given Nova Scotia’s low rates of COVID-19.
“We’ve now had well over a week with no new cases of COVID-19 and low rates for the last several weeks. That is thanks to Nova Scotians who have been following public health protocols,” said Premier McNeil. “Our aim is to safely open as much of the economy and society as we can so that Nova Scotians and our business community can have a good summer. The core measures of social distancing and good hygiene that have kept case numbers low will stay in place.”
There are now two different gathering limits – a larger one with physical distancing of two metres or six feet and a smaller one without. The new limits are effective June 19.
People can now gather in groups of up to 10 without physical distancing. People in a group are not required to be exclusive but they are encouraged to be. This is especially important for Nova Scotians who are more at-risk of complications from COVID-19. This change replaces the concept of family household bubbles.
People can now gather in groups of up to 50 with physical distancing. Members of the same household or a group of 10 can attend such gatherings together without physical distancing.
The larger gathering limit of 50 applies to social events, faith gatherings, sports and physical activity, weddings and funerals, and arts and culture events like theatre performances, dance recitals, festivals and concerts.
Businesses that are too small to ensure physical distancing can have no more than 10 people on their premises at a time.
Effective June 19, playgrounds can start reopening. Municipalities and other owners of playgrounds will need time to prepare them for reopening so Nova Scotians should not expect them to be open immediately.
“We’re providing a new option for close social interaction because it’s important for our well being, but everybody needs to make decisions that take into consideration the risks, their own circumstances, and how they help keep everyone safe,” said Dr. Strang. “It’s important that we all continue physical distancing as much as possible, good hand hygiene, cough etiquette, staying home if you’re sick, and making informed decisions about the groups and activities we choose to join.”
You do not have to struggle alone. You can contact the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia which has services available for you: https://www.mentalhealthns.ca
Also available, are online counsellors through BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com And of course you own faith community.
For those of you wondering how you can continue to support the Parish during this temporary closure – you may contact Alana to set up a Preauthorized Giving plan. Those wishing to continue with their regular offerings, and who are not on PAG, are asked to please leave a message on the office phone and someone will be in touch to advise you how to do this.
There are many resources being offered on-line to help you with worship during this time and Bishop Sue and I will post various items from time to time. Archbishop Ron also offers support through prayer – visit the Diocesan web page to find the links.
Bishop Sue, the Wardens and I continue to hold you all in prayer.
Blessings and stay safe – Rev. Ruby
Please direct any questions to the Parish Office at 902-864-3154 or stjohntheevangelist902@gmail.com
From the PWRDF
As we adjust to restrictions and strains of COVID-19, PWRDF’s work supporting vulnerable communities around the world and in Canada continues. PWRDF partners are doing their best to respond to the new challenges created by the pandemic, while continuing to deliver health programs and clean water, to empower women and girls and to sustain or improve food security. We are supporting seniors in Canada coping with COVID-19 through HelpAge Canada, funding prevention and treatment in Burundi with Village Health Works, and supporting the global response to COVID-19 by Partners in Health and the ACT Alliance.
We at PWRDF are praying for all our volunteers and supporters, and we ask you to hold us and PWRDF partners in your prayers, as well as those who are unwell, vulnerable to illness, facing financial uncertainty and for whom physical distancing is not possible. We continue to lift up our hope for a more just, peaceful and healthy world.
To support you and the parishes in your Diocese, we would like to share some resources that might be helpful:
● A Covenant for Climate Justice – This new worship resource includes a Service of the Word, to be used in whole or in part
● A Prayer for PWRDF, offered for use in virtual services or electronic bulletins:
Loving God, we pray for the work of The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund.
Give PWRDF and the people who depend on its support,
the courage and strength to persevere in this time of pandemic.
Be with them in the challenges they are facing,
and hold us to our vision for a truly just, healthy and peaceful world.
In the name of your child, Jesus. Amen.
● An invitation to join us on Zoom for “Praying with PWRDF,” Thursdays at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. This 30-minute service includes a short reflection, prayers for partners and an opportunity to ask for prayers, and is followed by a virtual “coffee hour.” To register, check our Facebook page each week or contact Volunteer Coordinator Kim Umbach at kumbach@pwrdf.org.
● An offer from Will Postma or a PWRDF staff member to participate in your virtual service (either with a pre-recorded message or live via Zoom). Please contact Christine Hills at chills@pwrdf.org for more information on booking a virtual speaker.
How you can support PWRDF
Give directly to PWRDF. It’s easy to give online at pwrdf.org/give-today. To direct a gift to PWRDF’s COVID-19 response, click on Emergency Response on our Give Today page, or call toll-free 1-866-308-7973. We are picking up messages regularly and returning calls promptly. We are reminded to continue our PWRDF blue envelope offerings. Should you wish your PWRDF offerings to be designated specifically for Covid-19, write “Covid-19 projects work” on the outside of the blue envelope.
Here a link to a talk by Dr. David Dean from the Atlantic School of Theology on Why Does God not stop the Corona Virus.
Here is an excellent article/letter (PDF) by Dr. Eileen Scully Director, Faith, Worship and Ministry Anglican Church of Canada March 2020 on our Eucharistic Fast.
How can I help? A pamphlet detailing how you can help with various outreach projects and events happening in the church may be found here.
