On February 9, 2022, Premier Tim Houston and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang announced a phased reopening plan that could lead us into the “new normal” of gathering.
FBCH is preparing to begin welcoming people back to in person gatherings with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, March 2. Our first Sunday service with a return to the Sanctuary will be the First Sunday in Lent, March 6.
The directions for communities of faith remain the same through the first two phases of the Provincial opening plan (taking us at least through mid-April).
What will it look like to gather throughout Phases One & Two?
- Social Distancing is required. Pew spacers will be maintained (with physical distancing FBCH falls within the 50% of capacity limit that is part of Phase One restrictions).
- Pre-Registration is required for Sunday services so that we ensure we will fall within our physical-distancing capacity.
- Masking is required for indoor and outdoor faith gatherings. Those speaking to a group who can maintain physical distance are allowed to remove masks when speaking. Masking outside is not required for groups of 25 or less (phase one) and 50 or less (phase two).
- Congregational singing is allowed (with masks).
- There are no changes to the current vaccination requirements, FBCH will maintain its practice that those gathering in-person who are eligible will need to show proof of vaccination (on file for those who have already done this).
- Choirs can resume rehearsing and sing in worship. The FBCH Choir will resume rehearsals on March 3 and sing in worship on March 6. Thank you again to those who have made singers’ masks to keep our choir safe!
- Godly Play and staffed Creche care will be provided on March 6.
More guidance is expected ahead of Phase Three (which could be in effect by Easter).
