Church Building Closure Update
The Council of Elders met on Sept 22 and decided to continue with the closure of our building to the public for the time being. A task group has been working on a plan for a gradual re-opening of our building for physical gatherings. The goal is to ensure we have practices and protocols in place that keep our congregation a safe place for everyone. You will be kept informed of developments through email and announcements on the church phone.
No in-person group activities
Currently NO in-person worship services or group gatherings are permitted in the church in order to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We will re-assess at the end of September and post an update. Worship Services in our “virtual worship space” will be offered on Sunday mornings at 10 am, including small breakout groups for check-in and conversation. A recording of parts of the service will be posted here each week.
Worship Services are Online and Interactive
If you wish to participate in our online worship gatherings, you will require a computer or tablet with a microphone and camera, and the RingCentral Meetings application. If you are not already receiving invitations to these worship services (including the weekly private meeting link) then use the email signup form to register.
Many of our friendship and study groups continue to meet online using RingCentral Meetings. Contact your group leader for more information. We also continue to care for one another and our neighbours through phone, email and online meetings. Our ministers, Michelle Down, Joe Ramsay, and Elizabeth Amirault are responding to pastoral care needs by phone and email. Use our contact form to reach them, or leave a message at the church office (613-389-2530).
Building re-opening plan
The Edith Rankin Memorial United Church Council of Elders established a committee that is working on a plan for re-opening the church building safely and in accordance with the KFL&A Health Unit and provincial and federal government regulations. When Council has approved the plan it will be submitted to the East Central Ontario Regional Council of the United Church for approval. When the plan has been approved it will be posted on this page.
Pre-screening form for individuals entering the church building
When the church is open for use (small group gatherings, public worship with limited attendance, etc) attendees will be required to complete a declaration form online or upon arrival at the church.
COVID-19 Resource Sites
Kingston Health Sciences Centre – COVID-19 Community Assessment Centre
https://kingstonhsc.ca/community-assessment-centre
As of September 26, 2020 the COVID-19 Assessment Centre will relocate to:
Beechgrove Complex (lies just south of the King St. West/Portsmouth Avenue intersection)
Follow directional signage to walk-in Assessment Centre at 51 Heakes Lane
Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington Public Health Unit
Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington Public Health Unit
Assessment & Next Steps
https://www.kflaph.ca/en/healthy-living/covid-19-testing-and-next-steps.aspx
COVID-19 Guidance for Re-opening Places of Worship July 17, 2020
https://www.kflaph.ca/en/healthy-living/what-workplaces-and-schools-can-do-to-protect-against-covid-19.aspx
Physical Distancing
https://www.kflaph.ca/en/healthy-living/physical-distancing.aspx
Symptoms of COVID-19
https://www.kflaph.ca/en/healthy-living/covid-19-testing-and-next-steps.aspx
Face Coverings:
https://www.kflaph.ca/en/healthy-living/face-covering-frequently-asked-questions-faq.aspx
COVID-19 Signage
https://www.kflaph.ca/en/healthy-living/covid-19-signage.aspx
Government of Ontario
COVID-19 Website
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services Guidance on Health and Safety for Places of Worship During COVID-19
https://d1ow5xpphy0w2p.cloudfront.net/common/covid-19-worship-places-health-and-safety-guidance.pdf?mtime=20200609144243&focal=none
City of Kingston
City of Kingston COVID-19 Website
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/Resident/COVID-19
Kingston Frontenac Public Library
https://www.kfpl.ca/library-services/coronavirus-covid-19-updates
United Church of Canada
Faith Communities and COVID-19
https://www.united-church.ca/covid-19
Reopening Churches during COVID-19
https://www.united-church.ca/community-faith/being-community/reopening-churches-during-covid-19
East Central Ontario Regional Council
COVID-19 Reopening
https://ecorcuccan.ca/on-the-opening-of-churches/
Risk assessment resources
https://ecorcuccan.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Invitation-to-Risk-Assessment_V2a.docx