The Presbyterian Church in Canada
PCConnect Monthly E-Newsletter
June 2020
Click here to go to our COVID-19 resources page:
presbyterian.ca/covid-19/
Resource on Re-Opening Church Buildings
There’s been much news of late around how Canada, its provinces and municipalities are planning for the next phase in the public health response to COVID-19—to gradually lift restrictions and responsibly re-open businesses, services and public spaces.
In preparation for the gradual re-opening of church buildings, the PCC has put together a resource to provide support for Sessions and worship leaders as they reflect and act upon their pastoral duties to make responsible, faithful, thoughtful and lawful decisions about public worship and gatherings.
Read More: presbyterian.ca/2020/05/29/session-resource-on-re-opening-church-buildings/
These decisions must be suited to the public health directives of provincial and territorial jurisdictions. Links to up-to-date directives from Provincial Health authorities have been added to the COVID-19 resources web page.
Access Information: presbyterian.ca/covid-19/
Talk, Walk and Pray with the Moderator
The Rev. Amanda Currie, Moderator of the General Assembly, has introduced new initiatives that will allow congregations and ministries across Canada to join her in prayer and conversation this summer.
Walk with the Moderator
You are invited to join the Moderator on a pilgrimage of prayer as she walks 1 km—praying with every step—for each congregation and ministry of our denomination, and ecumenical partner in the Canadian Council of Churches. Follow along this month using the June prayer schedule (presbyterian.ca/downloads/70608/).
Talk with the Moderator
Presbyterians in a variety of ministries will be invited to join the Moderator by video conference over the coming weeks in short conversations, sharing challenges and successes in these difficult times. The first conversation with the Rev. Jennifer Cameron of St. Columba Presbyterian Church in Belleville, Ont., is available to watch online
Learn More: presbyterian.ca/gao/moderator/
Interim Reports of General Assembly Standing Committees Available Online
Due to the cancellation of the 2020 General Assembly, interim reports have been made available on the PCC website for the information of the church. Proposed recommendations have been omitted in order to be clear that these decisions cannot be formally considered without the consent of a General Assembly.
Read the Reports: presbyterian.ca/gao/ga2020/
Five Years of the TRC’s Calls to Action
This spring marks the five-year anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission issuing the 94 Calls to Action (presbyterian.ca/healing/trc-calls-to-action/) in an effort to provide a well-rounded pathway for Canada to redress the legacy of the Indian Residential School System, and work to ensure the dignity and well-being of Indigenous Peoples well into the future.
In honour of this important milestone, Justice Ministries has written a special reflection highlighting the significant work that still needs to be done to make meaningful change to the lives and rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Read More: presbyterian.ca/2020/05/25/five-years-of-the-trcs-calls-to-action/
PCC Writes to Federal Government on Guaranteed Basic Income and Israel-Palestine
Letter to the Government of Canada re. Guaranteed Basic Income presbyterian.ca/downloads/70025/
The impact of COVID-19 has widened the extent of economic insecurity in Canada, with those most economically disadvantaged experiencing the greatest instability as a result. In an effort to bring the needs of people disproportionately impacted by the pandemic to the forefront of the national agenda, the PCC has issued a letter to the Government of Canada calling for action on socioeconomic inequity and advocating for a national Guaranteed Basic Income.
Letter to the Government of Canada re. Israel-Palestine
presbyterian.ca/downloads/70463/
The PCC recently wrote to the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding concerns over Canada’s silence on the proposal of Israel’s current coalition government to vote on annexing a significant part of the occupied Palestinian territories. The letter is also signed by the Anglican Church of Canada, KAIROS Canada, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Mennonite Central Committee, Catholics for Justice and Peace in the Holy Land, the United Church of Canada, and United Network for a Just Peace in Palestine & Israel.
Congregations and members of the church are encouraged to bring increased awareness to these matters by writing to their elected officials. The PCC letter may be used as a resource or template if desired.
Read Letters: presbyterian.ca/justice/letters-to-the-government/
Recent News & Resources
PWS&D International COVID-19 Appeal presbyterian.ca/pwsd/2020/04/03/covid-19/
Financial Relief for Churches presbyterian.ca/covid-19/financial-resources/
Zoom Online Meeting Support and Guidance presbyterian.ca/2020/05/19/online-meetings/
Daily Prayer & Mission Moment Calendar: June – September 2020 presbyterian.ca/worship/#pp
Worship and Ministry Resources presbyterian.ca/covid-19/worship-resources/
Pastoral Care and Wellness Resources presbyterian.ca/covid-19/pastoral-care-wellness-resources/
Stewardship & Planned Giving Information and Resources presbyterian.ca/covid-19/stewardship-resources/
Faith-at-Home Resources and Online Activities for Families presbyterian.ca/covid-19/resources-for-families/
Links you may need
Worship Web Page: presbyterian.ca/worship
Church Finder: presbyterian.ca/church-finder
PCC Resource Ordering Portal: presbyterian.ca/portal
Donate: presbyterian.ca/donate
Join us online
facebook.com/pcconnect
twitter.com/pcconnect
instagram.com/presbyterian_church_in_canada/
presbyterian.ca
Contact us
communications@presbyterian.ca
1-800-619-7301 or 416-441-1111
50 Wynford Drive, Toronto, Ontario M3C 1J7
https://mailchi.mp/presbyterian/latest-e-news-pcconnect-june-2020