Wed. March 3, 2021
Today's mid week lenten service is available on the sermons tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
Tuesday March 2, 2021
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Sunday February 28, 2021
Today's service is available on the sermons tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
*** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ***
May God’s peace rest in you in the midst of these anxious times!
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Martin Luther used this verse as the foundation for his famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” It still serves as a reminder and comfort to us as we continue to move forward, not knowing what will happen next, yet knowing that God will be with us through it all.
Due to the rising COVID numbers here in Thunder Bay, the potential of the variant virus and the number of cases arising from no known source, Calvary Lutheran Church will not be having any in-person services for at least the next two weeks (March 1 – 14). The congregation’s leadership group will meet regularly to decide on the best course of action for going back to in-person services.
Until that time has arrived, we will continue to offer our services online. We will have a recorded service for both the midweek Lenten service as well as the Sunday service. You will find these on our church website at www.calvarythunderbay.ca. We will also be mailing out all correspondence and sermons to our members who don’t have the benefit of the internet.
We were also trying to incorporate a call service into our regular service on March 14, in order to send out another divine call to a prospective pastor. That call service will need to be postponed until a later date, when it is safe to meet with at least the 30% capacity of our congregation.
If you have any comments or concerns please address them by email at calvary@tbaytel.net, by regular mail, or leave a message on the church answering machine at 623-8735.
In the Service of the Lord,
Brian Falkenholt, Vacancy Pastor
Alex Grant, Congregational Chairperson
Ben Grant, Reopening Team Chairperson
Sunday February 21, 2021
Today's service is available on the sermons tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
– Sunday February 14, 2021
Blessings as we enter the Lenten season.
As we emerge from the latest provincial shutdown on February 16, our Thunder Bay Health Region has been placed in the Red Zone. This means that we are allowed to have in-person worship services for up to 30% capacity of our sanctuary. We will be starting our services with this expanded attendance on Thursday, February 18 for the Ash "Wednesday" service, to begin the season of Lent. We will be having the imposition of ashes given from individual cups, offered for those who wish to participate in this way. We will continue through the season of Lent with midweek Lenten services on Thursdays at 6:00 pm, following the theme, “Four Significant Days.” Our Sunday services continue to be at 1:00 pm with Holy Communion celebrated on the first and third Sundays of the month. The Sunday morning services will be recorded and be made available to watch, as soon as they can be uploaded. The link information and all other church information can be found on our website at calvarythunderbay.ca
Our church leadership continues to monitor the information regarding the pandemic very closely. We continue to follow all of the guidelines and procedures mandated by our government. Please continue to reserve for all services by phone (623-8735) or by email (calvary@tbaytel.net). If our government makes any changes, including what they are calling an “emergency brake,” we will notify you of how it affects the congregation.
Be safe in the midst of this world. Be at peace in the care of your Saviour, Jesus.
Pastor Brian
Sunday February 14, 2021
Today's service is available on the sermons tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
Sunday February 7, 2021
Today's service is available on the sermons tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
Thur. Feb 4, 2021
Hello Calvary Family,
We are continuing with our small services on Sundays at 1pm and Thursdays at 6pm.
The new dates are as follows:
Sunday, February 7th at 1pm
Thursday, February 11th at 6pm
Sunday, February 14th at 1pm
Thursday, February 18th at 6pm
We can only accommodate 9 people on each date, so call the office to reserve a spot 623-8735
You will receive a confirmation phone call or email from me, to let you know if the spot is yours. If you have a first and second choice of dates let me know.
Gods Blessings
Connie
Copyright © 2021 Calvary Lutheran Church, All rights reserved.
You're receiving this email because you are connected to Calvary
Our mailing address is:
Calvary Lutheran Church
2820 Donal Street East
Thunder Bay, On P7E 5X7
Canada
January 31, 2021
Today's service is available on the sermons tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
Wed. Jan. 27, 2021
It is with great sadness, with the loss of our dear Sister in Christ, Diane Spakowski, the Nominating committee of Calvary Lutheran Church council is in need of a new member. If you are willing to serve in Diane's place, please contact me, the Nominating committee chair, for detail before Feb 1,2021. Please call 623-4804.
Thank you for prayfully considering to volunteer.
In His Service,
Lynda Wdowiak
Sunday Jan. 24, 2021
Today's service is available on the sermons tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
Monday January 18, 2021
Greetings in the name of the Lord who sustains us!
We are entering our eleventh month of this pandemic affecting the life of the church. We continue to learn and grow in what we know about COVID-19 and we also continue to learn and grow in how we can best move forward as the body of Christ.
Part of the struggle as a Christian is to seek a Godly balance of what it means to be “in the world but not of the world.” The leadership of this congregation has been diligently seeking out this balance so that we show proper respect to the authorities that God has placed over us in our world and yet also obey God according to His holy will. After consideration and prayerful thought, this is how we will proceed.
We will continue to record a weekly church service for you to watch and participate from your homes. In addition to this, recognizing the essential need of incarnational worship (meeting in person) and receiving the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, we will be offering communion services, beginning with twice a week. According to both Ontario provincial guidelines and Thunder Bay Health Unit guidelines, we are allowed to gather for worship services with a maximum of 10 people present (myself + 9). We will continue to stringently follow all protocols in screening, masking and physical distancing. We recognize and respect the seriousness of this pandemic. We also acknowledge the essential nature of our mandate to gather together around God’s Word and His Sacrament.
We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper beginning:
January 24 Sundays at 1:00pm
January 28 Thursdays at 6:00pm
January 31 Sunday at 1:00pm
February 4 Thursday at 6:00pm
The order of service will last about 25-30 minutes. Reservations are mandatory, either by phone or by email, no later than Thursday at noon for the following week. We will send out a confirmation email or a phone message with your reservation as well as general information about when a service is full. Church doors will open 20 minutes prior to the service. Please do not hesitate to reserve a spot in the fear that you are taking the opportunity from someone else. We will be managing that from our end to make sure everyone that desires Christ’s body and blood will have the opportunity in a timely manner.
These added services are for our benefit, for the Lord offers not only forgiveness but also strength through His supper, so that we are better equipped to meet the days ahead.
Please contact me directly by phone (707-4080) or by email (pastorbrianfalkenholt@hotmail.ca) if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
Your vacancy shepherd in Christ,
Pastor Brian
Sunday Jan. 17, 2021
Today's service is available on the sermons tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
Sun. January 10 2021
Today's service is available on the sermons tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
January 8, 2021
To members of Calvary Lutheran Church. Please be advised that the Provincial Government today announced that the current COVID-19 lockdown in Northern Ontario will be extended to January 23, 2021. The next attended church service will be scheduled for Sunday, January 24, 2021. Alex Grant, Council Chair
Sunday Jan. 3
Today's service is available on the sermons tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
Sunday Dec. 27
Today's service is available on the sermons tab on the website.
This service is provided by Pastor Richard Beinert from Saint James Lutheran Church.
Thurs. Dec 24
There Is a digital Christmas Eve Service and Christmas Day Service located on the sermons tab of this website. These services are provided by Pastor Richard Beinert from Saint James Lutheran Church.
Have a safe and Merry Christmas
.Dec 22
IMPORTANT NOTICE
We are going to proceed to hold our in-person worship services on Christmas Eve at 6:00 pm and Christmas Day Communion Service at 1:00pm. A reminder that these services are by reservation only and that all reservations must be made by tomorrow, December 23 by noon.
In compliance with our government and to honour their authority, as given by God, the church will then be closed to all in-person activities, with our next in-person service scheduled for January 17, 2021 at 1:00pm.
Please continue to check the church website at calvarythunderbay.ca for updates, resources and links to online services.
God's blessings to you as we remember what our Lord has done for us!
Pastor Brian
Sunday Dec 20
Today's service is available on the sermons tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
For those of you attending the "Candlelight Service" on December 24th at 6pm. This year due to Covid, we will not be blowing out Candles, instead we are asking everyone to use the following:- the light on your cellphone - bring a flashlight - a battery operated tea light or battery operated candle Thank you for your understanding
Friday Dec. 18
There will be no Sunday Service
at Calvary on Dec. 27th
Services will resume
on January 3rd at 1 pm
There will be a Lay led service at
Christ Lutheran on the 27th
(reservations required)
Zoom Bible Study will resume Wed. Jan. 6th at 10 AM
Link to follow
Sunday Dec.13
Today's service is available on the sermons tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
Friday Dec. 11
Calvary Lutheran Church
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Christmas Worship Services
Christmas Eve @ 6pm Christmas Day Communion Service @ 1pm
ATTEND BY RESERVATION ONLY: Reservations start on
Monday, December 14th until noon on Wednesday, December 23rd
Call the Church office 623-8735 or email Calvary@tbaytel.net
Due to the current COVID-19 public health recommendations and restrictions combined with the anticipated demand to attend a Christmas worship service, we will be assigning seats for the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship services to best utilize the space we have.
Please read the following prior to making your reservation
Do not attend or reserve if you feel unwell or have symptoms of COVID-19. A complete list of symptoms can be found on the Thunder Bay District Health Unit website (tbdhu.com)
Do not attend or reserve if you have been in close contact with someone who is currently COVID-19 positive or who has symptoms and is awaiting test results
Do not attend or reserve if you have travelled outside of Northwestern Ontario within the past 14 days. Visitors from outside of Northwestern Ontario will not be allowed to attend unless they have completed 14 days of self-quarantine
Please Consider…
Only members of the same household will be allowed to sit together*
Seating is very limited and most spots only accommodate groups of 2 which may require some members of the same household to be split up*
Choosing 1 Christmas service to attend in order to give other people the opportunity to attend*
The need to cancel your reservation if you are unable to attend*
If we reach our capacity, Christ Lutheran Church will be open for reservations on December 23rd provided they still have space available. Their Christmas Eve services are at 4pm & 8pm and their Christmas Day service is at 10:30am.
*If you have any questions, contact the church office. Thank you for your understanding
Sunday Dec6
Today's service is available on the sermons tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
Friday Dec.4
On December 14th
Attendance Sign Up Requests can be
made for the following services through the church office
Thursday Dec. 17 -6pm (Advent)
Sunday Dec. 20 – 1pm
Thursday Dec. 24 -6pm (Christmas Eve)
Friday Dec. 25 -1pm (Christmas Day)
A reminder that seating is limited and Covid 19 safety protocols are in place.
Reservations must be made to ensure seating.
Cut off time for reservations is Noon on Wed. Dec. 23
Thurs. Dec.3
Calvary Lutheran Church
Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting
December 13, 2020
GI-General information; ID-Information for Discussion; IDM-Information for Decision Making
Agenda
1. Adoption of Agenda (IDM)
2. Discussion and Congregational Approval of 2021 Calvary Lutheran Church Workplan (IDM)
3. Requesting Three (3) Congregational members to serve on Church Nominating Committee
4. Adjournment and Lord’s Prayer
Here is the zoom link for the congregational information meeting that will take place on Monday, December 7 at 7:00pm.
It will be hosted by Karolyn Hoard and myself.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86343126883
Thanks!
PB
Wed. Dec2
On Sunday, December 13th following the 1pm service, we will be having our Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting.
The meeting will be to approve the work plan for the 2021 year that you will find attached in this email.
Calvary Lutheran Church
Thunder Bay, On P7E 5X7
Canada
office number 623-8735
We are moving forward with our Midweek Advent Services
We are meeting on the next 3 Thursdays at 6:00pm - December 3, 10 & 17.
Our theme for this year is "Jesus, Son of ..."
December 3 - Jesus, Son of David
December 10 - Jesus, Son of Abraham
December 17- Jesus, Son of Joseph
December 25 - Jesus, Son of Mary
Please reserve your place by noon of the service day, either by email (calvary@tbaytel.net) or by phone (623-8735).
Thank you.
Pastor Brian
Sunday Nov.29
Today's service is available on the sermons tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
The Service is being brought to you in two parts. The first part concludes with most of the sermon.
Thursday Nov.26
Dear Members of Calvary Lutheran Church;
As active COVID-19 cases in our city continue to rise, the Calvary Reopening Team is making the following changes to our protocol for entering Calvary Lutheran Church based on recommendations from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
Do Not Enter If You:
1. Feel unwell and have symptoms of COVID-19
2. Have been in close contact with someone currently COVID-19 positive
3. Travelled outside of Northwestern Ontario within the past 14 days. Visitors from outside of Northwestern Ontario must also self isolated for 14 days prior.
As well, we will be enhancing our screening efforts upon entry into the church by taking an infrared temperature reading starting this Sunday, November 29th.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the church office.
Sincerely,
The Reopening Team
P.S. A friendly reminder that Sunday worship services have moved to 1pm effective November 29th
Sunday Nov.22
Today's service is available on the sermons tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
The Service is being brought to you in three parts.
SaturdayNov.21
Taking body temperature is a preferred
practice identified by the Thunder Bay District
Health Unit to monitor for fever.
This will be a practice at Calvary moving forward.
Current Activities occurring or planned for at Calvary
Worship – Sunday Worship, Funerals, Weddings,
Baptism, Advent
Church Council – Council meetings, Council committees
Trustees –
Altar Guild -
Senior Confirmation –
-Meetings must be booked through the church office
-Meetings must follow current protocols regarding seating,
documentation completion and sanitation
-Zoom meetings are an option
Sunday November 15
Today's service is available on the sermons tab on the website
. It is in 2 parts
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
Saturday November 14
Regular Sunday Services will move to 1pm starting on Sunday, November 29th
Weekly pre registration is still required for those planning on attending
Calvary’s Christmas Schedule
Advent @ 6pm on Thursday December 3, 10 & 17
Christmas Eve Service will be at 6pm
Christmas Day Service will be at 1pm
Weekly pre registration is still required for those planning on attending
Calvary!
Please remember our 2020 Christmas Family!
We have a Mom with 5 girls who need some Christmas cheer.
We have an electronic wishlist available to distribute,
contact Connie in the office
(623-8735) or Lynda Wdowiak (623-4804 or lynwd3@yahoo.ca)
to be sent the link to view the list.
Nov.8
The Service is being brought to you in three parts. The first part concludes with the sermon.
The second part starts with the Nicene Creed and concludes with the Agnus Dei.
The third part starts with the Nunc Dimittis and concludes with the closing hymn, LSB 758, "The Will of God Is Always Good."
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
Sunday Nov.1
Today's service is available on the worship service tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
Sunday Oct.25
The Service is being brought to you in three parts. Part One takes us from our announcements through the sermon.
Part Two takes us from the Nicene Creed to the Agnus Dei.
Part Three takes us from the Dismissal Blessing to the Closing Hymn, LSB 578, Thy Strong Word.
Today's service is available on the worship service tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
Wednesday Oct.21
Subject: OPPORTUNITY: QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION REGARDING PASTORAL CALL CANDIDATES - Thursday, October 22nd @ 7PM
Brothers and Sisters in Christ;
We are making available a question and answer session on Zoom for members who aren’t able to attend the Congregational Call Meeting this Sunday and have questions about the pastoral call candidates that were mailed out to all member households.
Pastor Brian, Elaine Ratcliffe (Call Committee Chair) and Ben Grant (Council Chair) will host the 45 minute meeting on Zoom at 7pm on Thursday, October 22nd.
The link for the meeting is provided below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81828308445
Sunday Oct. 18
The Service is being brought to you in three parts. In the introduction, I also explain how we are celebrating Holy Communion next week.
Today's service is available on the worship service tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
Friday Oct.16
Communion is tentative set for
All Saints Day at Calvary
on November 1st.
We will need to know ahead of time
if the people taking part in communion
will need non-alcoholic wine
and also if they require gluten free wafers.
Monday Oct. 12
Pastoral Call Meeting
- Here is the clarification regarding voting
Voting by baptized and confirmed members (no age restriction)
Holding office must be 18 years or older
An Information Package has been
mailed out from Ben Grant, Council Chair
Information Highlights
In person meeting Sunday October 25th at 9:05 AM
following worship (limited seating as per Covid-19)
-3 candidates identified for consideration
A pastor call ballot for each member of a household
ballot in person, by mail, by church drop off, by e-mail
Any questions should be directed to the church office
623-8735 identifying - Pastoral Call Meeting
Annual Congregational Meeting
-Here is the clarification regarding voting
Voting by baptized and confirmed members (no age restriction)
Holding office must be 18 years or older
An Information Package has been
mailed out from Ben Grant, Council Chair
Information Highlights
In person meeting Sunday November 8 at 9:05 AM
following worship (limited seating as per Covid-19)
-Agenda – Annual Year End Report, Calvary’s Financial Statements, List of Approved Names for council selection
A ballot for the Annual Congregational Meeting for each member of a household
ballot in person, by mail, by church drop off, by e-mail
Any questions should be directed to the church office
623-8735 identifying - Pastoral Call Meeting
Suday Oct.11
The taping cut off at the last hymn. We’ll follow up during the week to try and fix.
Sunday Oct.11
Sunday Oct 4 - Bible Study Information
Bible Readings for Oct.11
Gospel Reading Matthew 22:1–14
1Again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.’ 5But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ 10And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.
11“But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Old Testament Reading Isaiah 25:6–9
6On this mountain the Lord of
hosts will make for all peoples
a feast of rich food, a feast of
well-aged wine,
of rich food full of marrow, of
aged wine well refined.
7And he will swallow up on this mountain
the covering that is cast over
all peoples,
the veil that is spread over all
nations.
8He will swallow up
death forever;
and the Lord God will
wipe away tears from all faces,
and the reproach of his people
he will take away from all the earth,
for the Lord has spoken.
9It will be said on that day,
“Behold, this is our God; we
have waited for him, that he might save us.
This is the Lord; we have waited for him;
let us be glad and rejoice in
his salvation.”
Epistle Reading Philippians 4:4–13
4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Bible Study for Oct 6&7
Sunday Oct 4
Today's recording stopped part way through the prayers of the church. This leaves off the prayers, Lord's prayer, the Benediction, and closing hymn.
Sunday September 27
Today's service is available on the worship service tab on the website
The service text is also available on the worship service text tab
Monday September 21
Worship service text can be found in the worship service text tab
Monday September 21
The posting of September 13 indicated the Nominating committee was looking for 3 new council positions. That number should read 5 new council positions.
Thursday September 17
Pastor Brian Falkenhalt tentative return date to Calvary has been moved out from September 27
to October 4.
The video service for Sunday September 13 is now available on this website and can be accessed using the sermon tab.
For the next 3 weeks video services are hoped to be in a similar format and available several days after the live Sunday service date.
Here is the link to the Saint James Lutheran Church in Winnipeg. We have worshiped with Pastor Richard Beinert in recent weeks. These services may be available closer to a Sunday timeline.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcWvLh8x20G3jXcTaGbeYUA
Monday Sept 14
The video service scheduled for this week (Sunday September 13) is unavailable due to technical difficulties. The Lutheran Church Canada service for this week The 15th Sunday after Pentecost has be posted on the worship sermon text tab of this website.
Sunday Sept 13 2020
Calvary Council Update
- The annual congregational meeting has been tentatively set for the second Sunday in November. At this point, we cannot have a meeting with more than 50 people (indoors). Council will be reviewing our options for holding our meeting at our next council meeting and update members after that.
- The Call Committee has resumed the work of calling a pastor to Calvary. We have received a new slate of candidates from Lutheran Church Canada. The committee will be meeting on Tuesday, September 22nd with a goal of making a short list with a recommendation for our next Call to pass along to council and then determine how and when we can hold a congregational call meeting.
Nominations for Calvary Church Council (5 required)
If you are interested
- please contact Sue Kajmowicz at (807) 624 8680 for more information.
-leave your email address, and nomination forms will be provided
Requirements and duties
- CLC communicant member in good standing (approved by pastor or delegate)
- 18 years of age or older
- Willingness to volunteer time and talents
- No more than 30% of council members can be directly related to each other
Sunday September 13
Calvary is returning to in-person worship services this Sunday September 13th at 8:30am. These services will be following Thunder Bay District Health Unit guidelines regarding Covid 19. As a result seating is limited, and health protocols are required.
We are thankful to the volunteers who have committed to ushering and cleaning to make this possible
We are thankful to God for this service in His house.
In person services at Calvary are as follows
Sunday, September 13th 8:30am
– Pastor Dan Repo
Sunday, September 20th 8:30am – Pastor Keith Blom
Sunday, September 27th 8:30am – Pastor Brian
Falkenholt (tentative return to Calvary)
Note: Pastor Brian Falkenholt will be conducting in person services at Christ Lutheran beginning September 13th.
The Christ Lutheran services for this period will be recorded and made available on the Calvary’s church's website, and members Facebook page as soon as possible, following each service
We look forward to seeing you when the time is right for you to join us.
If there is anything that we can do for you, please call the church office at 623 8735 and leave a message
Sunday September 6
Here is the service for Sunday, September 6.
While Pastor Brian recovers from surgery we will be joining Pastor Richard Beinert at Saint James Lutheran Church in Winnipeg Manitoba for today's service
Note: Tentative Worship Reopening is on Sunday September 13th at 8:30. Please contact the church office 623-8735 for more information
CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
IN PERSON WORSHIP SERVICE PROTOCOLS DURING COVID-19
- Signing Up for Worship Service
Members wishing to attend worship service must call or email the church office to sign up for a spot. This is due to the fact that capacity is limited to ensure we have proper physical distancing in the sanctuary and also allows for a list to be made to support contact tracing.
- Each week, a call (you can leave a voicemail) or email must be received no later than 11am on Thursday for the upcoming Sunday
- You will receive confirmation of your spot(s) either by phone or email. Families in the same household or 10-person social bubble can sit together
- If the current Sunday worship service is full, those who do not get a spot would receive a spot for the following Sunday, should they want it
- A phone call or email to reserve a spot must be made each week for the upcoming Sunday
- Reservations for spots start Sunday at 12pm for the following Sunday each week
- The church office number is: 623-8735
- The church office email is: calvary@tbaytel.net
- Arriving at Calvary for Worship Service
When arriving at Calvary for worship service, there will be volunteers and signage to help guide you through the process of entering the church. The following will take place:
- You will be asked to confirm that you have not had any Covid-19 symptoms, contact with others who might have been exposed to Covid-19 or travel history that requires self-quarantine by reading and acknowledging the posted signage
- The church will open up 20 minutes prior to service to allow for enough time to get everyone in safely practicing the appropriate physical distancing
- Use of hand sanitizer (provided) is mandatory upon entry
- Ushers will ensure that your entry into and out of the sanctuary takes place safely. You will be brought to your seat and must sit where the usher seats you
- Facemasks or Face Coverings
Facemasks or face coverings must be worn at all times while inside the church building with the following exceptions:
- Children under two years of age
- Individuals with medical conditions rendering them unable to safely wear a mask, including breathing difficulties, cognitive difficulties, hearing or communication difficulties
- Individuals who cannot wear or are unable to apply or remove a mask without assistance, including those who are accommodated under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or who have protections under the Ontario Human Rights Code
- Changes to Worship Service and Fellowship
As we resume in person worship, there will be several changes to how we practiced worship and fellowship prior to Covid-19. These changes are:
- Once you have been seated by the usher, you must remain in your seat for the entirety of the service unless you need to use the washroom. There will be volunteers each Sunday to disinfect the washrooms in use between each person that needs to use one
- The screens in the sanctuary will be the primary form of following the worship service with limited large-print sheets available for those who require large-font print
- There will be no singing by the congregation as recommended by public health. Recorded music and/or soloists are being considered in place of congregational singing
- There will be no communion. Pastor Brian is looking at various options and will make a decision on when this might be available based on a safe way to do so
- Offering plates will be set up at the entry of the sanctuary for those who use envelopes for offerings. A reminder that monthly direct withdrawals and electronic giving directly from your online bank account are also available
- The windows in the sanctuary will be open to assist with fresh air flow. Keep this in mind should you require a sweater or jacket
- There will be no fellowship time after the worship service is over. Ushers will escort you out of the building ensuring proper physical distancing is in place. Once outside the church building, it is your option should you choose to safely visit with others
September 1, 2020
CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
REOPENING FOR WORSHIP SERVICES SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH AT 8:30AM
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ;
This letter is to confirm we will be reopening for Sunday worship services on Sunday, September 13th for 8:30am worship services. Our reopening team has been at work preparing the building and sanctuary along with coordinating volunteers to ensure we can conduct worship services while following public health policies.
Included with this letter is the same document that went out with the last letter at the beginning of August: In Person Worship Service Protocols During COVID-19. Please refer to this document for directions on signing up for worship service to preparing for arrival on Sunday morning and changes to our worship services.
While Pastor Brian continues to recover from his knee surgery and ease back into things, we have the following guest pastors leading our worship services:
Sunday, September 13th 8:30am – Pastor Dan Repo
Sunday, September 20th 8:30am – Pastor Keith Blom
Sunday, September 27th 8:30am – Pastor Brian Falkenholt (tentative return to Calvary)
If you have any additional questions for council, please reach out to the office by phone – 623-8735 – and leave a message or send an email - calvary@tbaytel.net – (Attention: Council).
In His Service,
Ben Grant
Council Chair
Sunday August 30
Sunday August 23
We are joining Pastor Richard Beinert at Saint James Lutheran Church in Winnipeg Manitoba for today's service
Sunday August 16
Sunday August 9
Sunday August 2
Sunday July 26
Sunday July 19
Sunday July 12
Sunday July 5
Sunday June 28
Sunday June 23
Sunday June 14
Thursday June 10
*** AN IMPORTANT NOTICE ***
On Monday, Premier Ford announced that the Province of Ontario is launching Stage 2 in our region as of June 12, which includes various provisions – such as social gatherings of up to 10 people and places of worship having the ability to open with up to 30% capacity.
As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful.” (1 Corinthians 10:23a) Calvary Lutheran Church council has set up a COVID-19 advisory team and this group is actively researching all of the facts, laws and requirements for our congregation to move forward in the most Godly way, upholding the well-being of all people involved.
At this time, Calvary Lutheran Church will not have worship services in person. The Calvary Lutheran Church council, with the direction of the COVID-19 Advisory Team, will make the decision to reopen over time and with the benefit of observation and discernment over the next few weeks.
Until that time has arrived, we will continue to offer services of worship online. There will also be an update on various other important church business going out via mail next week.
Please address any concerns by email at calvary@tbaytel.net (Attention Church Council) or leave a message on the church answering machine at 623-8735.
In the Service of the Lord,
Ben Grant
Council Chair
Wed. June 10