Rev. Lorraine and Rev. Andy will be uploading messages on this page during this time of COVID-19
Making Faithful Decisions in a Pandemic (Video)
As many of us consider re-entering our church buildings for in-person worship, Rev. Diane J. Strickland offers a two-part video on "Making Faithful Decisions on Re-entry." How are we going to make decisions about re-entering that are faithful in every respect? These decisions need to be pastoral, conform to regulations, and be trauma informed. This video addresses the questions: How do we change our assumptions and why? And how do we deepen individual and collective awareness that will allow us to move forward faithfully with grace? The first video is for everyone. You can watch it above.
Mental Health Resources:
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is now providing access to a number of free resources for Canadians.
You might find their Wellness Together portal helpful as well. (https://ca.portal.gs/).
A University of Toronto psychology professor is also offering a four-week managing your mental health online course. (https://www.coursera.org/learn/manage-health-covid-19).
York Region Support Services - 310 COPE
CMHA Crisis Line – 1-833-456-4566
The province of Ontario is offering free mental health counselling for anyone during this Covid-19 crisis.
BounceBack® is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.
CMHA Canadian Mental Health Association of York Region 905-954-0097
Family Services of York Region 905-895-2371
Helpful Link for Children...
Kid’s Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868
Helpful Link for Youth...
LGBTQ Resources During COVID-19
Barrie / Simcoe-Muskoka – The Gilbert Centre
Prayer Cycle for All United Churches
Given these uncertain and overwhelming times for our congregations and leaders, we invite you to join a facilitated online time of prayer to pray for every United Church pastoral charge by name.
Prayer rooms will happen throughout the summer, beginning with the east and working our way to the west, hosting one prayer session per region once a week. Join us every Tuesday on Zoom at 1:00 p.m. EDT.
Sign up to receive the Zoom link to the prayer room. We look forward to seeing you online!
Poem from New Zealand ... Rest Now Mother Earth
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, shared a poem. Enjoy her thoughts and be sure to read the comments she made at the end.