St. David’s United Church Suspends Gatherings

In response to the spread of COVID-19, the Alberta Government has declared a health emergency. The Council of St. David’s United Church (Leduc) has decided to cancel congregational gatherings, including worship services, during this time, and to close the church building. The staff will continue to use the Church Office, at least for the time being, and will be responding to emails and phone calls as per usual.

The Council understands that this emergency will have many impacts, from spiritual and emotional to financial, so seeks your support and understanding. Many of our congregational members are part of the “at risk” group, and we need to offer whatever protection and support we can.

Blessings and prayers.

David Marriott, Council Chair

Stuart Jackson, Minister

What can I do?

First of all, please take care of your self. Alberta Health Services provides lots of information, primarily through its website (albertahealthservices.ca) and Health Link (phone 811).   Please quarantine yourself if:

  • You have any flu-like symptoms ( cough, fever, etc.)
  • You have been out of the country
  • You are part of the “at risk” population (over 60 years of age, or have other health issues like diabetes or asthma)
  • You have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19

Reaching In

While in-person gatherings are discouraged, the Minister and Care Coordinator are available and willing to talk by phone or in person. Please call if you need some extra support: 780-986-2085.

Social distancing does not mean spiritual distancing. In fact, in times like these, our spiritual needs are probably greater than ever. So consider this as a time to explore alternative ways of keeping in contact with one another, and with God.

You can spend time at home in meditation, reading and reflection. If you have a copy of Voices United, check out the Daily Prayer section starting on page 905. A list of the lectionary readings for each Sunday starts on page 998.

We understand that not everyone uses computer technology, but here are some resources for those who do.

  • St. David's United Church will be posting to this website:
    • Tuesday: reflections for the upcoming Sunday's readings, with space to comment
    • Thursday: an outline for the Sunday's worship service
    • Saturday or sunday: links to a recorded or live worship service
  • United Church Moderator Richard Bott will be offering an online worship service each Sunday on the national church's website or Facebook page. The prayers, hymns, and reflections from the Moderator’s online worship will also be available in audio and text form.
  • Several United Church communities of faith are live-streaming Sunday worship services.
  •  
  • Our weekly e-News will include suggestions for personal reading and reflection.

Reaching Out

Please let the Church Office know if you are able and willing to help in one or more of the following ways. 

  • Phoning

The Council is organizing a phone-out roster, to make sure that all the people on the church list are contacted by phone, just to see how they are coping. Each caller will have a list of 10 people, and make contact once a week or so.

  • Errand Runners

Be a “go-pher” to run errands for people who are shut in or self-isolating.

  • Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care team will continue to connect with people in hospitals and nursing homes, even if in-person visits are not possible.

  • Wedings, Funerals and End-of-Life Care

Under the current Alberta Health Services guidelines, exemptions to visiting restrictions are in place for special circumstances, such as end-of-life care. Large family gatherings, such as weddings and funerals, are discouraged at this time. Please contact the Minister or Care Coordinator for more information.

Financial Support

The Church Council recognizes that many people will experience financial hardships during this time, and does not want to make those situations worse. However, we do have our own obligations to meet, so will continue to rely on your generosity. As always, income tax receipts will be issued for all donations.

  • Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR)

Several people already use PAR for their contributions, which is administered through the national church office. This service costs $0.50 per donor per month. If you want to start using PAR, or if you want to adjust your contributions, please contact the Church Office.

  • Mail

Donations by cheque are always welcome!

  • On Line

St. David’s United Church, Leduc, is listed on the ATBCares.com and CanadaHelps.org websites, so you can donate online. Please note that Canada Helps charges a percentage (usually 3.5%) of each donation.