Restrictions announced by the Ontario government on March 25, 2020, require the closure of all but essential workplaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time only the custodian or a designated staff person may enter to check heat and water or pick up mail and cheques.
Kids and Youth: Contribute to our Palm Sunday virtual parade by Thursday!
We are changing things up a bit this week! This Sunday is Palm Sunday, and that always takes a bit of preparation. Please engage with the lessons below now – don’t wait till Sunday. We will need to have the photos by Thursday night so that they can be uploaded to the website on Friday morning. We are really looking forward to seeing what you will create for our Palm Sunday Virtual Parade!
BCUC Midweek Prayer Circle, 8 pm every Wednesday (wherever you are)
The practice of praying is nothing new. It is a spiritual practice that many of us at Bells Corners United Church take to heart and observe on a regular basis. Praying is about listening and being attentive to yourself, others, the community where we live and the world. Praying is about transformation and healing. It changes how we act and who we are. Praying is about offering love when we cannot be present for the other, reminding us of the words of St. Augustine when he said that “true, whole prayer is nothing but love.”
Message from Rev. Kim Vidal
Dear friends at BCUC,
As concern over the spread of COVID-19 impacts the life and ministry of our congregation and forces us to do things differently, let us be reminded that despite social distancing and not meeting for a short period of time, we are still connected in God’s love. On those Sundays that we are not gathering at worship, I will be sending via email a weekly Lenten worship service including my sermon which you can use for your individual or family time of reflection. Erin will also send Sunday School materials with activities that you can do as a family especially those with children.
Donating to BCUC
Your regular donations to BCUC are still needed over this time since ongoing costs of operation continue. You may use the church mail slot by the kitchen door, mail donations to the office or make an online donation to BCUC on CanadaHelps.org.
COVID-19 Update, March 17
Sunday Services for March 15th, 22nd, 29th and April 5th have been cancelled. Church and community activities are suspended through April 5th, and the church office is closed.
BCUC continues to follow the recommendations of Health Agencies and the guidance of The United Church of Canada in dealing with the COVID-19 virus.
We are available to offer Pastoral and Spiritual Care to all via email or telephone.
If you have any issues or concerns or wish to stay connected, please leave a message at 613-820-8103 or send an email to office@bcuc.org. Someone from the church office will respond to you.
Stay tuned for more updates.
BCUC's Response to COVID-19 as of March 12, 2020
These are the steps we are taking to minimize risk to everyone who uses our building effective immediately:
Please do not come to church or any gathering if you are feeling sick
if you are feeling ill, have a fever or have symptoms such as coughing, sneezing or shortness of breath, stay home or call your doctor. Call Telehealth if your doctor is unavailable as treatment options may be changing in the community.
Changes to Sunday services
Instead of shaking hands or hugging, we will greet each other verbally and minimize close physical contact. We will encourage social distancing whenever possible.
Communion is not scheduled until April 12 (Easter Sunday), so we will update our communion practices according to the information we have at that time.
Offering plates will be available with health concerns in mind. (i.e. ushers will use gloves and will receive the offering– no passing of the plates in the pews).
Stay informed
Monitor daily updates from Ottawa Public Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada for current information regarding COVID-19. Check current recommendations regarding travel and attendance at large gatherings including worship.
Our staff may be working from home. If you cannot reach them by phone, you can contact them via email. You can read our full COVID-19 response here (PDF).
Wishing everyone good health!