Council’s Decision on Changes to Mask-Wearing Policy
Council’s discussion about changes to the mask-wearing policy during worship services took place at our meeting on Wednesday Sept. 21. We are very thankful for the feedback that we received by e-mail and in conversations with various members of the congregation prior to last night’s meeting.
The deliberations were guided by the feedback from the congregation, and Council’s desire to care for and support both the physical and spiritual needs of all members of our church.
Here is a summary of what Council decided at our meeting on Wednesday:
- We continue to recommend the wearing of masks in the Sanctuary during worship services.
- However, effective Sunday, Oct. 2 the wearing of masks in the Sanctuary during worship services will no longer be mandatory.
- Also effective on October 2, a portion of the Sanctuary will be sectioned off and designated as an area where masks MUST be worn. This is being done in order to accommodate those individuals who wish to be physically distant from people who are not wearing masks
We recognize that each individual has their own circumstances and comfort level. The implementation of this policy change requires patience, respect and cooperation from everyone.
If you require additional information, please contact me at re.hunt@sympatico.ca or 613-298-1626.
Ron Hunt, Chair of Council
OUC Choir Returns on Sunday Sept. 11, 2022
The choir has been given permission to sing without their masks when they return to OUC on Sunday, September 11 after their summer break.
Here is the rationale behind this decision:
· The choir will be singing from the choir loft and will be well separated from the congregation;
· The members of the choir have difficulty breathing effectively while they are wearing masks – especially when they are singing the anthems;
· Choir members will be able to hear each other better without masks and this will improve the overall performance of the choir; and
· Some members of the choir may choose to wear their masks from week to week for personal reasons, and as a whole, they are all comfortable with the group’s decision to make it optional.
Obviously this leads to the question what about the rest of the congregation?
We know that there are many people who would like to ditch their masks. Ottawa Public Health continues to recommend that masks be worn in indoors and/or in crowded settings. The presence of COVID-19 in the community is gradually decreasing but the overall level is still in the high to moderate range.
Our goal is to ensure that it is safe for all people to attend worship services. One way to do this would be to designate certain sections of the Sanctuary as areas where masks must be worn. Council will be reviewing the mask-wearing policy for worship services as it applies to the congregation at their meeting on September 21.
Please let me know what you think prior to Sept. 21st. In the mean time, thank you in advance for continuing to wear your masks during worship services for another two weeks.
Blessings!
Ron Hunt, Chair of Council
re.hunt@sympatico.ca / 613-298-1626