Navigating this Fourth Wave: A Message from the Executive

Greetings,

As I knew there was a meeting of the Executive scheduled for Monday evening I did not write and circulate my regular Musings as I did not wish to fill your inbox. Please find below a note summing up the work of the Executive on Monday evening and a look ahead to my week of ministry on your behalf.

Faithfully,
Lloyd 

On Monday evening, the Executive had a special meeting.  They like many others are concerned with the rising case numbers in our area and thought it prudent to review current our protocols.  It is the desire of the Executive to ensure that we are doing all that we can to keep people who gather at Sackville United Church safe and healthy.  

As we navigate this fourth wave of COVID-19 it was decided:

1. that Sackville United Church, as permitted by Public Health Directives, continue to meet in-person and broadcast the gathering on Facebook Live. Greeters will record contact information for contract tracing purposes, require those entering the building to show proof of vaccination, and remind participants to follow hand sanitizing protocols and wear a mask at all times; and

2. that Sackville United Church will purchase a three-month supply of rapid tests that will allow our staff (Jennie and Lloyd) to test themselves once per week prior to the Sunday Gathering.

Friends, please continue to make decisions that are in keeping with your individual levels of comfort and safety. While we realize that not everyone is able to access the Facebook Live broadcast, we do know that it has become an important point of connection for many, and we will continue to work to improve the experience.

If you are in any way feeling ill, please stay home. By doing so you care for yourself and others. Lloyd and Jennie have been following this wisdom for the past number of months and will continue to do so.

In Ministry Together,
The Executive, Sackville United Church 

Looking (One Day Back) Ahead

Monday was filled with meetings, hospital visits, pastoral visits and, as above, a special meeting of the Executive. By the time the day was done – so was I.

Today began at 5AM, writing the above and will continue with a meeting at 8AM, a meeting with the Trustees at 9:30AM, the Preacher’s Help Group at 10:30AM, other meetings at 12:30PM and 2:30PM and a pastoral visit at 4PM.

Wednesday morning will have me in the office preparing for a class on Wednesday evening (Adaptive Leadership) followed by a meeting at 10AM after which I hope to devote the balance of the day to preparing the liturgy for Sunday morning.

Thursday is Jennifer and I’s 4th Wedding Anniversary.  Traditional gift ideas are fruits and flowers, linen or silk.  The Modern gift idea is an appliance, and the gemstone is Blue Topaz.  We are getting each other none of the above – instead we are purchasing siding to replace the stone that is falling off the front of the house… We will fit a quiet celebration into the fullness of our busy lives, that includes for me, an early morning of sermon writing, a pastoral visit at 11:30AM, a funeral at 1PM, a meeting at 6:30PM and a class at 8PM.

Friday and Saturdays will be days off. Friday evening, we will be excited to welcome Mia and Grace home for the Thanksgiving weekend!

On Sunday we will gather in gratitude at 11AM – a celebration of the season of harvest.  The Psalmist says, “teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart” (Psalm 90:12).  This is one of those days that many of us engage in such counting… may a wise heart be yours. As you are able, please bring items for the Food Bank.  These will be delivered to the Food Bank on Tuesday.  

On Sunday evening, like many of you, I will gather with family and friends around a table laden with the bounty of the earth – feasting not only on turkey – but on love, the love of this community, the love of friends and colleagues and the love of family, all for which I am so very grateful. May it be so for you as well.

Lloyd will be taking Monday off.