Page 27 - PC_Winter2020

presbyterian.ca
WINTER 2020
Connection
GATHERINGS
The people of Mill Woods Presbyterian Church in Edmonton, Alta., were delighted to welcome into membership by Profession of Faith, Griffin, Julius and Riley, who completed the Presbytery of Edmonton-Lakeland Youth Confirmation Retreat last February. The families were present in the sanctuary and the rest of the congregation connected online. Following worship, the congrega- tion helped celebrate by driving by the church and offering their congratulations.
The Ecumenical Campus Ministry, the on-campus home of the Anglican, Presbyterian and United Church at the University of Guelph, held an outdoor Fall Day Retreat at Crieff Hills Retreat Centre in Puslinch, Ont., in September. In a season when students are studying online, opportunities for connection through campus ministries have become important for mental well-being.
Summerside Community Choir recently resumed Tuesday evening practices at Summerside Presbyterian Church in Summerside, P.E.I. While there are no upcoming concerts planned, the choir hopes to put some recordings online for people to enjoy. Not all members were comfortable coming out to practice or sing wearing a mask, but those who have returned are delighted to sing together again.
PRESBYTERIAN
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Safety First
Congregations and ministries are continuously innovating and adapting to the changing circumstances of COVID-19 so that their communities can gather and enjoy fellowship in the safest possible conditions, ensuring masks and other necessary PPE are worn, appropriate physical distance is maintained and health regulations are adhered to.
Although the online Sunday church services and social mingles Richmond Presbyte- rian Church in Richmond, B.C., has provided have been wonderful, the congregation has missed in-person gatherings and has yearned to find ways to connect safely. Fortunately, nearby forests and trails provide an ideal setting to connect outside and safely meet together in “Nature’s Cathedral.” The RPC Walkers and Hikers Fel- lowship program has been part of the Care and Fellowship Team ministry for some years, but it has been of even more value these past six months. After self-screening, participants walk in pairs and gather for a fellowship time outside a coffee shop or at park picnic tables.