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2021 - Q3 Worship and Congregational Leadership Minister Quarterly Report –July 2021 – September 2021
The Summer months were a quieter time at McDougall while people enjoyed the relaxed COVID restrictions. I was on holidays and study leave through July 11th, and then again for a few days at the end of August.
2021 - Q3 Ministry and Personnel Third Quarter Report , July 1 – September 30, 2021
This has been another difficult quarter, with the transition to new staff in McDougall’s administration area. Jen Heidebrecht (Office Administrator) and Sarah Reuangrith (Temporary Communications Coordinator) both started July 15. Many thanks to Lori Wilson and Leanne Kempt for their willingness to train the new staff.
2021 - Q3 Outreach & Social Justice Ministry Report – Fall 2021
Outreach & Social Justice Ministry Action Item for the Fall of 2021 focused on Funding Outreach Projects. It was decided that rather than funding individual projects, Outreach would request the Congregation to include the mission projects as part of the Church Budget.
COVID-19 Measures “Moving Forward Cautiously” -October 2021
McDougall continues to follow all Provincial and municipal health orders that relate to Places of Worship as well as the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP). Complete details of these orders can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2021%20COVID-19%20-%20Search%20-%20All%20Alberta%20-%20Stage%203%20-%20(July%201%202021)&utm_term=alberta%20covid&utm_content=COVID%20-%20Sept%2015%20-%20New%20restrictions.
Although the provincial pandemic guidelines updated in mid-September permitted places of worship to be open at 1/3 capacity with participation of unvaccinated adults who are masked and physically distanced, McDougall leaders chose not to re-open for in-person worship services until Thanksgiving Sunday, October 12. To attend that Sunday and future worship services at McDougall during this stage of pandemic restrictions participants will be required to pre-register, provide proof of vaccination (or approved alternative), and maintain masking while in the building. This procedure matches the requirements outlined in the provincial governments REP.
2021 - Q3 PASTORAL CARE REPORT From Rev. Marilyn Evans, Pastoral Care Minister (Interim)June 15, 2021 - October 13, 2021
I was pleased to begin my ministry as the Interim Pastoral Care Minister at McDougall United Church on June 15, 2021. Although this position is for 12 hours a week, my weekly work hours have always exceeded and continue to exceed that allocated time. As you will see by my stats and details below, the pastoral needs of our aging congregation are many and diverse. I consider it to be a sacred trust to journey with people in our faith community in their special circumstances.
Acadia School Lunch Program Update
This program has been operating in cooperation with the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour and many wonderfully dedicated volunteers for over six years. Due to all the pandemic changes at both the church and schools as well as decreased funding, this program has sadly come to an end. In August, for the last time, we prepared prepackaged lunch items as well as breakfast cereal which was distributed by the Acadia Pantry Program.
McDougall United Church Indigenous Bursary
In the Spring of 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its recommendations after hearing the hardships Indigenous people faced and continue to face, after being placed in residential schools . George S. Hogg, a long time member of McDougall United Church approached Executive Council with the idea of setting up a fund for Indigenous people wishing to further their education as a way to acknowledge our role and begin the process of reconciliation. George was passionate about this cause!
Right Relations Blog Moved: Link to More Articles
Find a link to our old Right Relations Blog
COVID-19 Measures“Moving Forward Cautiously” - September 16th , 2021
Under the latest Government of Alberta mandatory restrictions announced on September 15th, 2021, Places of Worship have now been included these restrictions include:
The new mandatory restrictions for Places of Worship effective, September 16th, 2021, are:
Capacity limited to 1/3 fire code occupancy.
Masks are mandatory.
2 metres physical distancing between households, or 2 close contacts for those living alone.
COVID-19 Measures“Moving Forward Cautiously” - September 2021
While worship services are no longer subject to restrictions under current Provincial Health Officer Orders, there are many basic precautions we at McDougall United Church can implement to keep our services and programming at a minimal risk setting for COVID-19 transmissions. Many of the measures that were put in place during the pandemic still offer a level of protection and they help to reduce the possibility of transmission of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Measures: “Moving Forward Cautiously” -August 2021
While worship services are no longer subject to restrictions under current Provincial Health Officer Orders, there are many basic precautions we at McDougall United Church can implement to keep our services and programming at a minimal risk setting for COVID-19 transmissions. Many of the measures that were put in place during the pandemic still offer a level of protection and they help to reduce the possibility of transmission of COVID-19.
2021 – Q2. Worship and Congregational Leadership Minister Quarterly Report –April 2021 – June 2021
At long last got COVID-19 vaccination (both) during this quarter!
EVENTS:
1. We finished the book study “The Gifts of the Dark Woods” on Easter Sunday. This was a joint study and sermon series with Ogden United. It was well attended with participants from both congregations.
2021 -Q2. Second Quarter Report Ministry and Personnel, August 9, 2021
This has been a difficult quarter, with the work required to implement the budget-related staffing changes. After the approval of the 2021 sustainable budget at the March Congregational Meeting and the approval of the Office Administration Review recommendations at the May 11 Leadership Council meeting, some members of our staff had to be given working notice. Rev. Joanne Anquist and I endeavored to provide input to Operations during this process to ensure that all staff were treated fairly and with attention to their pastoral care needs during this difficult time.
2021 - Q2. Pastoral Care Committee Second Quarterly Report April – June 2021
During this time many people have started getting vaccines and are hopeful that they will be able to see their families and special friends again, especially since the weather is warmer and we can meet outdoors with social distancing…
2021 - Q2. Operations Working Group Second Quarter Report
Following the congregational approval of the Council Planning Group’s Two-year Sustainable Budget Plan recommendations in March, the Operations Working
Group focussed in the second quarter of this year on implementing the staffing changes recommended in the sustainable 2021 budget plan. This affected the staffing in several areas…
2021-Q1. Children’s Program Staff Report
We have read stories about God's Love, loving your neighbours. I was able to show the children some videos that Joanne Anquist's sister made about Bible stories.
2021-Q1. Youth Group Staff Report
The youth have gathered online on zoom twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays in the evening each month during the first quarter.