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Meeting ID: 859 7512 9990
Passcode: 197063
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Join by Videoconference
If you have enough data on your mobile device, or if you successfully connect to the Shaw Open or United Church Guest networks, you could join the Zoom video conference from the parking lot.
These days of COVID-19 have forced us to adapt in several ways, and we are now adapting by holding a series of services in our parking lot. Imagine the glory days of the drive-in cinema (never mind that the sound was never great, and the view from the backseat was always awful...and if you opened the window to defog
the windshield, the mosquitos came flooding in...).
No doubt we will have some hiccups. But when we experimented with this on Easter morning at sunrise, it went surprisingly smoothly.
Now that the weather has changed, you'll have the option of bringing a lawn chair and sitting 2m away from the next household, or you can stay in your car with its built-in weatherproofing where singing is still safe.
We ask that all maintain 2m (6ft) of separation from the next household, which, sadly, means no hugging. Even if someone has consented to a hug in the past, that may have changed. And we don't want to give the false impression of breaking the recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer and the Pacific Mountain Regional Council.
When you arrive, please prepare to be directed to where you can set up your lawn chair or park your car.
You will receive a small piece of paper with instructions for joining the teleconference. But it's better, of course, if you don't need to use it (ie. avoid touching common objects).
When the COVID-19 restrictions prevented us from gathering in person, we chose to offer a podcast instead of live-streaming our worship services. Consider this a primer in case you haven’t been able to access our podcast, Resilience & Restoration.
What’s a podcast?
A podcast is like a radio show that is accessible on demand anywhere there is Internet. If you subscribe to a podcast through an app, each episode comes automatically to you. Once you’ve downloaded an episode (or allow your app to download it for you) you can take it with you on the go.
How do I subscribe?
First, choose a podcast client (app) that strikes your fancy. If you’re using an Apple device, Apple Podcasts is likely your best bet, and it is likely already installed. On a PC or Android device, there are many good options. I (Greg) use Castbox these days; Spotify is very popular; Spreaker is good too (we use it to host our show). Your app store will have several options.
Then, search for “Resilience and Restoration” or “Castlegar United Church” or some combination. Click on the correct result (look for the crocus with brick background). You’ll then have the option to “subscribe”. Your settings will determine how many episodes you want on your device at a given time, and so on.
How do I listen?
Catch your favourite podcast from anywhere. Image courtesy form PxHere
Think of it like a radio show, but available whenever you want it. Washing the dishes? Have a listen! Going for a walk? Bring your device in your pocket with a set of headphones and you’re off to the races! Lounging on the couch? Pump the show through your surround sound speakers!
Again, so many ways! Sharing through social media probably has the most reach, but the best way is actually to personally connect with someone, maybe by recommending a specific episode (“Hey Joe, I think you’ll appreciate the episode on…especially when they talk about …” You get the idea.)
You could click here to share Resilience & Restoration right now.
How does this fit in our tradition?
Our tradition is a collective one, intended for in-person gatherings. So in some ways, a podcast that really is intended for an individual listening experience seems inconsistent. But our hope is that this will encourage a connection with the sacred and a time of reflection, even when gathering in person isn’t feasible. If enough people share an individual listening experience, it then becomes a collective shared experience. (That’s why we encourage you to share it with others.)
This is the first of what we presume will be a series of correspondences regarding the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Staying connected and keeping safe are vital, and will likely become even more so as the pandemic progresses. None of us is alone in this (or in anything).
Our sources of information include
the Public Health Agency of Canada (specifically this site),Diligent hand washing slows the spread of pathogens
the BC Centre for Disease Control (specifically this site),
the United Church of Canada’s statements (like this one), and
No doubt there are many other good sources of information. We also urge a critical reading of some sources, especially social media. Emergency preparedness plans are in place and following them, based on the input of experts, will help all of us through what may be a difficult time.
The first steps to being appropriately cautious are the same as during any flu season:
Don’t panic.
Stay home if you show or feel any symptoms of illness.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Sneeze or cough into your sleeve.
Keep some physical distance from others.
“Keeping some physical distance from others” may mean avoiding public and social gatherings. Officials are not asking that we stay home from Sunday worship. We do ask that we all refrain from shaking hands or hugging. And if staying home helps assuage anxiety, there are multiple ways to worship from home:
Our podcast, “Freedom to Love and Be Loved” is now active again;
ConnectNorth (courtesy of Trinity UC in Prince George, except for the Sunday following Christmas) offers livestreaming;
Cranbrook UC has recently begun livestreaming (they also have a cool “Relax corner”).
There are myriad other churches offering online connection and many churches offer a podcast. The Pacific Mountain Region offers more information on “creative ways to worship from a distance” here.
At least for the foreseeable future, our sanctuary will be open on Sunday mornings and worship will proceed mostly as usual. Communion is an exception to the latter point: we will not be serving the elements during Communion in April. Similarly, lunch after the ‘Child Within’ service is cancelled for March. Tuesday morning (10:45am) spiritual practice will proceed.
Our Maundy Thursday gathering (April 9) will be a type of experiment. We will eat simultaneously, but gathered via video conference, rather than in person. Expect more details on this as we iron them out. Good Friday (10am) and Easter services (7am and 10am) will proceed as scheduled.
Step Into Spring had been tentatively scheduled for late April, but we have cancelled that.
All of this is subject to new information from experts and officials.
Our board will develop an emergency response plan, which will consider safe ways of supporting each other in the event the outbreak reaches Castlegar (which is more than likely), and will outline the circumstances in which we will close the church building.
For now, we hope you find solace knowing that appropriate mechanisms to slow the spread are in place. Saying, “Don’t panic” is easy; not panicking is much more difficult. Preparation and awareness are the best ways to avoid panic (for example, stock up gradually on staples; don’t raid the toilet paper aisle!). Let’s be compassionate with each other, especially those prone to anxiety. And let’s remember to laugh and continue as if we are God’s beloved.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
