MINISTER’S MESSAGE
The title of the first version of the Safe Reopening Committee’s report was “Because there is Hope Here”. We had high hopes that this report would guide us through to the fall of 2020, when we fully expected that we would be safely reopening. We did for one week until skyrocketing COVID numbers closed us down again. Eunice Pratt and committee have revised this lengthy report many times since then. After awhile, because of the multiple changes in government restrictions, we decided to simply report on the changes, which Diane Riordan and Karla Farstad kept on top of. We have finally come to a place where we believe we can once again reopen and have fully revised the document for all aspects of our church’s life—worship, small groups, rentals. Eunice has named this second document “Hope Continues”. The file name is “Hope Amended”.
These various names seem to describe our own journeys of hope, disappointment, regaining hope, disillusionment, and amending our hope. We have had to adjust our expectations so as not to set ourselves up for more disappointments. Yet at the same time, we know that we dare not lose hope. There will come a time when this dark COVID tunnel will open up to the light, even if we can only see the reflections of a few rays.
I love Emily Dickinson’s words: “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.” That illusive feathered thing seems to go into hibernation from time to time, but it is always there—a divine glow that can be fanned into flame with a breath of hope. The prophet Jeremiah wrote during a tumultuous time of occupation, “For I know the plans I have you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer 29:11)
We still do not know what lies ahead—in the both the near and distant future—but we can draw on each other’s strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other, to make tentative plans that can be easily “pivoted”. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” And so, with hope amended, Westworth carries forward, one step at a time, as we cautiously move to reopening for in-person worship Nov. 7.
Loraine
UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES
October 24
“Be the Healing You Seek”; Sharon S will offer a minute for Stewardship
October 31
Hallowed Crinkle in Time; soft re-reopening with small group in prep for next Sunday
Nov 7
Public Reopening for in-person worship—preregistration, masks, distancing and two weeks post double-vaxxed required.
Remembrance Day service with photos and communion
Nov 14
Provoked to Love
Nov 21
West Broadway guests tell their stories with Rev. Lynda Trono.
REMEMBRANCE DAY PHOTOS & STORIES
This year, Loraine is collecting stories of family members who served in the armed forces. Please email her a story by Oct. 31. We will also be including photos of family members who served in the Armed Forces for our Remembrance Day service on Nov. 7. If you haven’t yet sent in a photo or two, please email Loraine a scan of the photo in a jpeg or tiff file, actual size by Oct. 31. If unsure how to do this, please phone her.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Westworth’s annual Stewardship Campaign is underway. Hopefully, you will have received your stewardship information in the mail and are considering your pledge. If you have not received your stewardship materials, please contact the Church office, 204-489-6974, Ext 20. Please complete your pledge and return it soon so that it can be include in the dedication of gifts on October 31.
Your pledge is appreciated and supports the day-to-day work of Westworth. Every pledge large or small is important. Annual Westworth expenditures are based on pledges received so that we can budget carefully. Please consider an increase in your annual pledge to help us cover increasing costs and to provide financial certainty when others are unable to pledge or donate. Thank you from your Finance and Stewardship Committee to everyone who has been able to return their pledge. As of October 17th, we have received pledges from 26 Westworth households which represents 9%.
SAFE REOPENING COMMITTEE
Dear Members of Westworth,
We can’t wait to welcome you back to in-person worship services at Westworth United Church beginning Sunday, November 7. Other church groups and rental groups have begun to use our building as well. Our committee has been closely following the most recent information on the COVID epidemic, and feel that a gradual and cautious approach is possible. You will see that our plan meets or exceeds current public health orders as we have considered the health and safety needs of our own congregation.
Our goal is to minimize the risk of contracting COVID 19 while in our building. However, even with our best efforts this possibility exists just as it does any time we leave our homes. Please carefully assess your own health status when deciding whether to rejoin in-person activities.
For a detailed description of our plans for reopening please check the website for Hope Continues: Westworth United Church Revised Reopening Plan. You can access that here:
http://westworth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/211019-Hope-Document-Amended-October-2021.pdf
For more information or questions about an activity you would like to organize please contact our committee.
Here are some things to consider before and during your next visit to Westworth.
Before You Arrive
- Be vaccinated. All who attend worship or church groups must be 14 days post double vaccination unless ineligible due to medical conditions or age. Children under 12 are ineligible for vaccination at this time, but may attend activities or attend worship with their doubly vaccinated parent(s).
- Self-Screen: If you feel unwell, please postpone your visit.
- Wishing to attend a worship service? Check the weekly congregational email and follow the outlined steps to register online. If this is not possible, call the office to register (204 489 6974). You will be registering for the next week’s Sunday’s service, but dates will be clearly outlined in the instructions.
- Planning to visit at another time? Call the church office to make arrangements as doors remain locked at this time.
- Planning a meeting or gathering? Team and committee leaders should call the office to arrange for meeting dates and locations. In order to be assigned a room that allows for physical distancing, please know how many participants are expected.
When You Arrive
- Wear your face mask: Everyone in the building is required to wear a protective face covering. If you do not have a mask, disposable masks are available without charge. Remember to sanitize your hands before entering and throughout your visit. Hand sanitizer is available at all entrances.
- Use the door designated for your activity – the main doors on the north for worship, or the staff door (south side and west end of the building) for individual visits or small group gatherings)
- For individual visits and small groups and gatherings, sign in on the clip board located by the Staff door. You will need to answer “No” to the posted COVID questions, confirm your double vaccination status, and leave contact information.
- For worship services you will have already preregistered. When you arrive for worship, a greeter will confirm that your health status is unchanged and confirm your registration.
- Please maintain physical distancing of 2 metres while in the building.
- Keep your belongings with you as the cloak rooms are closed for now.
- Food or beverage preparation and sharing is not possible at this time. Bringing your own beverage or snack is fine.
During Your Visit
- Please maintain a safe physical distance from others. Pews have been marked to reinforce this, and ushers will help you find your place. For small group activities, chairs should be placed to maintain two-meter separation.
- Some washrooms had been closed at this time. Watch for signs indicating which ones are open. Only one person at a time may enter the washrooms. Exceptions are made for families with young children.
- If you were attending a small group activity or on an individual visit, don’t forget to sign out when you leave.
Final thoughts…
Will there be enough room for everyone?
For the safety of all we will continue to maintain 2 metre distancing for activities in the church including worship. We have determined safe capacity limits for the sanctuary and other meeting spaces, and this means that we are limited as to how many households are able to worship at the same time. This is why preregistering is necessary. If a worship service has reached capacity, your name will be recorded so that you might have priority at the next service or event.
There are a lot of rules? What if I forget?
Greeters and ushers will be well trained and able to guide you as you come for worship services. At smaller events, team leaders are familiar with the reopening guidelines and will help participants follow them. It’s a learning curve for everyone! Mistakes will happen, and we need to gently and kindly support each other with these new expectations for getting together.
What happens if there is an increase or decrease in COVID cases?
The Safe Reopening Committee monitors information received from the province and from the United Church and will adjust plans based on the most current health and safety information. If cases continue to decrease, we all look forward to the time when some of these restrictions can be reduced!
Can I get more information?
If you have specific questions, call 204 489 6974 or email office@westworth.ca and your request will be forwarded to the appropriate person.
Thank You!
We appreciate that you have taken the time to read about the changes required for a safe return to in-person activities. Thanks for your patience and understanding as we become familiar with these changes. We look forward to seeing many of you. If you are not comfortable in returning in-person at this time, we understand. Let’s stay in touch, and keep our community of faith strong!
Westworth Safe Re-Opening Committee
SUNDAY SCHOOL
This week Westworth kids will listen to the story of ‘Deborah’. Judges 4:1-5;31. Our topic of conversation will be ‘Working for God’
– Maggie and your Sunday School Teachers
Please note starting this week as you join Zoom you will be in a waiting room and I will give you access to join Zoom Sunday school.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89946987441?pwd=MnQrd0FHaHFHWDhMWHU0L1RMMDY1Zz09
Meeting ID: 899 4698 7441
Passcode: 323063
+1 204 272 7920 Canada
Bible Story: Deborah
The bible story is read by Julia and The Lord’s Prayer is read by Danielle. Your Sunday school teachers are on the Westworth Face Book page for you to view.
Bible Story is Available Here:
https://www.facebook.com/westworthuc/videos/554986632609735
Curriculum is Available Here:
http://westworth.ca/category/online-sunday-school/
OUTREACH
- West Broadway Community Ministry (1JustCity)
Suppers at West Broadway: WB is now open Monday through Thursday, afternoon to early evening. Suppers are being served early evening (still through the window). Westworth will continue to provide resources to feed the folks at West Broadway once a month. For now, we ask that you continue to support this vital ministry by continuing your generous donations for these suppers. Please write cheques to Westworth United Church, clearly marking “WBCM” in the memo line. Thank you!
- West Broadway Community Ministry (WBCM) Emergency Pantry: Thank you for your support for the folks in the West Broadway area. Urgently needed are breakfast foods: Instant Oatmeal Packets; Instant Coffee; Syrup; Canned Fruit; Boxes of Cereal – any kind, any flavour. Please email wbcm@1justcity.ca to arrange drop-off. Cheques to Westworth with “WBCM Pantry” on the memo line are always gratefully received!
- An Incredible Opportunity to Consider – “LET JUSTICE FLOW“!: Westworth United Church has supported involved with West Broadway Community Ministry since its beginning, continuing for decades as a member of the Winnipeg Presbytery’s Partners in Mission. We have had members serve on the WB Board and on the Pastoral Care Team. We have invited members of the West Broadway Community to share their story in worship services. We have served their favourite lunch—meatball subs—on a monthly basis. Even through the COVID pandemic, we have supported them with a monthly meal and donations for emergency food.
- As you may know, to address the reality of an aging Church, shrinking dollars and fewer volunteers, West Broadway Community Ministry opted to join with other Community ministries in the city and reach out beyond the churches for both funding and volunteers. In early 2021, West Broadway officially became part of 1JustCity.
While we celebrate this choice, we are concerned that our church’s vital connection to inner city mission could become lost. Rev. Linda Trono, the outgoing Minister at West Broadway has devised a plan where each Community of Faith might encourage a member to engage in education and collaboration through a 10-week certificate program, Let Justice Flow. The course will begin in November. Brochures are available now and applications for the course are due mid-October. If you are interested in taking the course, please contact Ruth Wiwchar at ruth.wiwchar@mymts for more information.
- A Letter From Lynda Trono, Minister at West Broadway: Once again, we’re approaching the time of year when we celebrate Harvest and give thanks for life in all its fullness. We still find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic and, in spite of the hardships it caused, it’s given us an opportunity to pause and assess what is of real value in our lives.
Over the years, members of the West Broadway community have had the opportunity to give thanks through the Alabaster Jar.
The Alabaster Jar is for “extravagant gifts in exceptional circumstances”. It was established in 2013 at West Broadway Community Services to give one of our volunteers in a period of extreme stress the chance to slow down and reflect.
When West Broadway Community Services transitioned fully into 1JustCity, we brought this phenomenal program with us. The Alabaster Jar exists to give people an extra boost, a boost beyond a bowl of soup or a bag of groceries.
Sometimes, things happen in life that we don’t have control over. Those of us who have the means can manage the unexpected. Those living on social assistance don’t have the funds to manage emergencies or opportunities.
Chances are, you know and love someone who wears glasses, or, you wear glasses yourself. Now, imagine wearing the same pair of glasses for years — never being able to afford new frames and having to look at the world through an out-dated prescription. Then one day, your glasses break. What would you do? How would you be able to read, or navigate your way across busy streets?
That’s exactly what happened to Thelma. Thelma broke her glasses and couldn’t see a way to afford a new pair. When you donate to the Alabaster Jar this Thanksgiving, you’re helping someone like Thelma, who got a new pair of glasses and can once again read to her granddaughter. You also support people like Don, who had to travel up North for a funeral; and Ayla, who needed her First Aid certification to get a job.
- MAKE POVERTY HISTORY!: After almost two years of work, The City of Winnipeg is set to release its Poverty Reduction Strategyon November 17, 2021. We need the Mayor and EPC to pass it! The strategy will be made public on November 12, 2021. But, we need to make sure that the strategy passes AND lives up to the massive need in our community. Here’s what you can do:
– Quick & easy! Share your support on social media! Share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
– More work, but more effective! Contact the Mayor and all of Council’s Executive Policy Committee sharing your support for why Winnipeg needs this strategy and what should be included. Follow this link for more information: http://makepovertyhistorymb.com/campaigns/winnipeg-without-poverty/
Make Poverty History “Kitchen Conversation”: You have heard about the East Coast “Kitchen Parties” where friends and family gather to share news of the week’s happenings and to make some music? Make Poverty History is planning an education series to be rolled out early in 2022. There may not be music involved – but there will be ideas galore and a great opportunity for education and conversation! Westworth has been asked to provide 30 folks who may be interested in joining a trial run ZOOM presentation and to offer feedback to the organizers. We hope that you will consider this as your invitation to be part of this event. You will join 29 others on Tuesday evening, January 17 at 7:00 in the comfort of your home! Please connect with Marion M if you are interested!
UCW
JAMS, JELLIES AND MORE!
We have had a wonderful response to our sale. We have the following still for sale:
- 1 jar of Crabapple Juice
- 3 jars of Bumbleberry jam
- 2 jars of Rhubarb Gooseberry Jam
- 1 jar of Strawberry Banana jam
- 2 jars of Rhubarb Conserve (rhubarb, lemon, raisins and dates)
- 2 jars of Zucchini relish
- 4 jars of Green Tomato relish
- 2 jars of Concord Grape jelly
If you are interested in any of these, please call Barb M
No further orders will be accepted after Friday, October 22.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this sale.
