Church Re-opening Announcement
As first announced at the Annual Membership Meeting, the church plans to fully re-open on Sunday, May 15, and will follow this three-stage approach to reach the goal in 2 months:
1. Stage 1 – Monday, March 14:
· Limits of worship attendance at the sanctuary and gym will be raised to 200.
· Current practices of temperature check upon arrival, logging in and registration of in-person events will end.
· Masking inside the building, distancing, and hand sanitization are still recommended.
· Nursery rooms will be opened, and to protect unvaccinated children under 5, standard hygiene measures of temperature check, masking, distancing, and hand sanitization are recommended.
· The library will be opened.
· Contact the church office to book facility.
2. Stage 2 – Good Friday, Apr 15:
· Masking on stage will end while masking inside the building is still recommended.
· Distancing requirement within the church building will be lifted.
· Capacity restrictions of the sanctuary and gym will be lifted.
· Seating capacities of all the classrooms will become recommendations, and if the capacities are exceeded, participants will be advised to open door(s) and window(s) to improve air circulation.
· Sport activities are permitted in the gym only if the participants will move the chairs before and move them back after the event.
· Nursery rooms will be opened, and to protect unvaccinated children under 5, standard hygiene measures of temperature check, masking, distancing, and hand sanitization are recommended.
· Contact the church office to book facility.
3. Stage 3 – Sunday, May 15
· All restrictions will end.
· Eating in the building will be allowed, and the kitchen, café and water fountains opened.
· Nursery rooms’ hygiene measures will be reviewed if they will continue.
The following tasks are ongoing will undergo review:
· Church-wide Plan to Protect certification for criminal record checks and training will start on March 14.
· Feasibility of traditional group baptism – multiple baptisms conducted in one water tank during a service – will be considered at Stage 3.
· The church’s van service will be considered at Stage 3 as it needs to follow the guidelines by AHS, senior care centres and public transportation.
Please note that the plans are subject to changes of the pandemic situation and government regulations.
Lastly, let’s lift our hope in God’s hands. “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 62:5-6).
Frequently Asked Questions
Reopening Strategy
Please email us at hello@ecac.ca for assistance.
The church will follow AHS guidance and will notify individuals using attendance records. If necessary, in-person services will be suspended. If COVID-19 cases get significantly worse in the city, the church will also consider suspending in-person services.
If you are feeling sick or come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, we ask that you do not attend in-person services.
Yes, registered children may attend, however, children’s ministry and Wee Care are not yet available. As per AHS guidelines, children must remain with you during service.
You are permitted to use the washroom during service. Please exit the Worship Centre at the nearest door.
The Cantonese service is tentatively starting in October. The English and Children & Youth services are currently planning its timeline.