[Updated on September 16, 2021]

The purpose of this post is to let you know about the limited re-opening plan at Westminster Church in Barrie, Canada. Previously, the Ontario Government had a colour-coded system. That system has been changed. This plan is in line with the Government’s updated rollout.

Keep in mind that this is new for everyone and you should anticipate that changes may be required.

Session (our elders) have approved the following plan to emphasize safety while focusing on God’s plan for our church. Think ‘walk not run.’

-Live-streamed worship services will continue to be the core methodology until COVID-19 restrictions are significantly reduced. (We were live-streaming before the pandemic, and will continue to do so throughout and also afterward.)

-We will expand attendance during the worship service to the government guidelines (however, this remains to be a limited number since we require to maintain 6 feet of social distancing in the sanctuary). Priority is given to those who live alone or don’t have access to the internet.

-We will be contacting individuals and their caregivers who (a) can’t effectively access a streamed service, or (b) are alone. This list reuses the names we obtained via our congregation calling initiative last year when we last anticipated a previous limited reopening. Should you (or someone you know) fall into any of these categories and have not been contacted please call the Office at 705-728-0541.

-Currently, this group occupies our full capacity under the government guidelines. If and when that changes we will notify the congregation.

-We are developing a registration and rotation process which will be fair and impartial if we have the seating capacity. Details will be published when the numbers warrant.

-Please note that nursery, and Sunday school will not be offered currently indoors.

-NEW: On Sunday September 19th until the end of November we adding an additional outdoor 3:30pm worship service along with Sunday School. To read this full announcement and to get all the details please click here.

-In addition, we will announce our plans for when our other programs will restart when we are able.

-If you have questions, please contact elder Steve Sainsbury at activeyouth@westminsterpc.ca or 705-220-9016.

We move ahead as a people of perseverance and hope, fixing our eyes on Jesus!