Returning to Worship at Glenview

Returning to Worship at Glenview

We will worship in the Sanctuary on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. We’ll be following precautions required by Toronto Public Health and our pastoral concern for all who come.

We need to know in advance who, and how many will attend. Please call the church (416-488-1156) between 1:00 and 9:00 p.m. on Saturday. Leave a message to tell us you plan to attend, and who will be coming with you. There is a page on our website on our website you can use to register your intention to come.

When you come on Sunday morning you’ll find that the only entrance to the Sanctuary is through the main (east) door into the Narthex. Please be aware that entry will take more time than usual. Come early. The door will be open by 10:00 a.m. Please observe physical distancing as you approach the door and wait to enter.

Just inside the door there will be someone to greet you. You’ll clean your hands. If you don’t have a mask, one will be provided for you. You’ll wear a mask inside the building at all times.

When you step further inside someone else will greet you, and ask you to sign in, with your name, telephone number, and email. You’ll also answer some questions about your health, contacts with others, and travel. We need that information in case we have to provide it to Toronto Public Health. In the unfortunate event that someone who has attended our service is tested positive for COVID-19, TPH will carry out contract tracing.

You will be directed to enter the Sanctuary through the centre doors. As you approach that entrance you’ll find a place to leave your offering. The plates won’t be passed through the pews. If you’ve been giving by mail, online, or through PAR, please continue to do so.

When you enter the Sanctuary, someone will greet you and escort you to one of the safe spots for seating. We will have about 50 places for individuals, couples, or families to sit at the appropriate distance from others.

The Balcony, West Transept, and Chapel will be closed.

Families with children will be invited to sit toward the front of the Nave, so they can see and hear elements of the service that are especially for them.

If you think you’ll need a sip of water during the service, please bring a filled water bottle. If you need to go to the washroom, you may leave the Sanctuary through the door to the right (west) of the Chancel. The Accessible Washroom beside the Office will be available. There will be room for one person to wait outside the washroom door. There will be no other access to the corridor.

If you bring a jacket or sweater you will not be able to hang it in the Narthex. You may find you need it in your seat. All windows and doors will be open, to provide as much ventilation as possible. (Overhead fans won’t be running. They’re designed to defeat natural ventilation and save heat in winter.)

You won’t be offered a service Bulletin in the Narthex. There will be no Hymn Books, Psalters, Bibles, or copies of Living Faith in the pew racks. All announcements and words for worship will be on the screens.

For the time being we will worship without congregational singing. There will be worship music and spoken prayer. You can hum or whisper behind your mask. We will greet one another, and share the Peace of Christ at distance, with gestures. Worship Leaders will speak behind a screen.

The service will not fill an hour. Some familiar elements will be missing. Our time together in one space will be limited, as is advised for indoor gatherings.

 At the end of the service, please stay in your seat until you’re directed to move to the west aisle. You will enter the Narthex and move to the left. The west door will be your exit. There are some stairs on the way to the west door. If the steps are a barrier for you, please wait in your seat until someone can guide you to the east door and the ramp outside.

 We’ll continue to post worship resources on our website, for those who can’t come, or who choose not to come out of concern for their health.

 Our Virtual Coffee Hour will continue on Zoom, beginning at Noon.

Partnership with Evangel Hall

Glenview is a longtime partner of Evangel Hall Mission in downtown Toronto.

The COVID-19 lockdown has presented challenges for EHM, and for the residents in their 13-storey apartment tower. Staff worked out a way to safely receive donations of clothing and other items, like bottled water. When the call went out, we responded right away. Donations came directly to the church. Shannon Wiggan also invited regular Fundscrip customers to buy and donate gift cards so she could purchase some items.

Natalie Jahn received donations at the church. She and Shannon took everything down to the Hall on August 26. Thanks go out to everyone who helped.

EHM still seeks donations. Contact Natalie educationoutreach[at]glenviewchurch.ca if you’d like to help.

Meet Natalie Jahn

Glenview welcomes Natalie Jahn, Leader for Christian Education and Outreach

My name is Natalie Jahn, and since Tuesday I’m working as Christian Education and Outreach Leader with Glenview Presbyterian Church.

As I haven’t met most of you yet, let me briefly introduce myself.

I’m 27 years old, and was born and raised in the southwest of Germany. Since my confirmation, I was actively involved in the congregational life of several churches, and later on in social work through volunteer work and internships. Through that work, I discovered how much I love working with people, listening and reflecting together upon the relation of life and theology. I studied Protestant Theology in Heidelberg, Germany and Beirut, Lebanon and finished my studies with a Master of Theology in 2018. As I continue to be interested in academic studies, I’m still connected to the University of Heidelberg through my PhD in Practical Theology.

In 2018, I came to Toronto to join my husband who is an ordained Presbyterian minister, and soon afterwards, I started working with Leaside United Church as Interim Youth and Young Families Leader.

If I’m not busy with church work or my PhD, you might find me doing sports, reading or spending time with friends.

I’m very much looking forward to getting to know you and the many programs at Glenview Presbyterian Church. Christian education and outreach have always been fields of interests of mine, and I have been actively involved in both areas in Germany, Lebanon and Canada. I’m excited to continue learning and to explore creative ways to live and share God’s love together at Glenview and beyond.

You can reach me through my email address: educationoutreach@glenviewchurch.ca.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you and getting to know you in the following weeks and months!

Warm regards,

Natalie

Sunday, September 13?

When will we have services in the Sanctuary again?

That's the BIG question!

Session met by Zoom on Tuesday evening to form an answer. Our target for a first service in the building is Sunday, September 13. This is a target. Circumstances beyond our control may change our plans.

A Team has been named to formulate a policy and procedures for opening. This is not just about worship. It covers all access to and use of the building. After worship, rentals are of great importance. The Team represents Session and the Finance and Property Team, Members are Laurence DeWolfe, Bob Gannon. Eileen Graham, Carla Lyon. James Mason, and Nancy Thornton. They have been commissioned to develop all protocols necessary for us to have a service in the Sanctuary on September 13; and to do the same work regarding rentals and all use of the building from outside the congregation.

What do we know so far about returning to the building for worship? Worship won't be what it was. Coming back to the building doesn't mean going back to the way things were on Sunday, March 8. The way we're present to one another when we gather will be different. Music won't be the same. Congregational participation will be limited. Preaching will be different. Services will be shorter.

Will we still have worship resources online? Yes. In order to reach as many people as we can, we will continue online. For the foreseeable future this will be with recorded content. The goal is to combine live-streaming and recording. This will be the new norm. There will be regular worshipers who simply can't risk attending a public gathering. Others will choose not to come on some Sundays, out of an appropriate abundance of caution.

There are so many more questions! Yes. That's why we'll all need to watch this space! There will be communication via all media available to us, as often as possible. That includes informed word-of Please hold those important questions for now. Many of them can't be answered yet.

Presbyterians Celebrate Pride Month

bit.ly/3cWLsuH

You have to register to attend but it’s easy to do at bit.ly/3cWLsuH. Here are some of the details and participants:

The evening of June 26th
Rev. Charles Fensham – preaching
Rev. Mark Chiang – leading communion
Rev. Paulette Brown – call to worship
Chris Fischer – music
And others…

HOT NEWS!!!

Phase Two Comes to Toronto on Wednesday!

This move forward for the Greater Toronto Area comes earlier than many of us expected. Start lining up for haircuts now! The big shift will take time. Don't expect any big changes until next week. Businesses and professionals will need time to prepare.

This big step forward doesn't alter Glenview's plan to postpone setting a date for the first service back in the building until Session meets on August 4. We've anticipated some of the things we'll need to do to return to the sanctuary, but there are many decisions to be made before we can open the doors.

Many people in the city have already discarded masks and no longer observe physical distancing. Many more will do so on Wednesday. Vigilance and caution are still required. Medical experts say we should all wear masks in public if we can. Because many people whose breathing is restricted can't mask, it's essential that the rest of us mask. Even more so from Wednesday onward. It's been noted that there has been no increase in infections in cities where massive Black Lives Matter demonstrations continue. Why? Because so many people are wearing masks or other face coverings.

Kitchen Reno FAQ’s as of June 22, 2020

Who is on the Kitchen Renovation Committee and how is it supported?

Representing Finance & Property, the Committee is chaired by Ian Ferguson. Committee Members include Bob and Anne Gannon, Martha Hackney, Margaret Taylor, Margaret Menegon and Ruth MacDonald. Laurence DeWolfe and Norma McIntyre have participated at critical junctures. F&P and Session have been briefed through the process and the Renovation project has the active support of both groups. At its May Zoom meeting Session agreed that the project should move forward without delay.

How did the Kitchen Design get developed?

The Committee first met to develop a briefing document that outlined processes and equipment to purge, essential elements to retain and new areas and items to consider in the creation of a modern, relevant kitchen. The Committee conducted field visits to Churches with renovated kitchen facilities. These ranged from small warm and serve kitchens to full-scale kitchens preparing large volumes of meals for diverse service groups such as Meals on Wheels and daycares.

Additional input came in the form of photographs of other new and renewed Church kitchens and interviews with Church operators and appliance suppliers.

A revised briefing document was created and provided to the Architect who has engaged a professional Kitchen design consultant to bring the inputs into a plan. The plan has undergone 3 iterations based on the input of the Committee. In addition, the increased clarity regarding existing electrical, plumbing and structural considerations has been incorporated as available.

How will the new kitchen be “safer”?

1. Reduced traffic flows around hot stoves

2. Improved (easier to clean) surfaces for food preparation

3. New ventless dishwasher to clean and sanitize with slide through access (rather than bending and lifting full trays of dishes and clouds of hot water vapour

4. Designated Hand Wash station

5. A separate stream for food waste and soiled dishes

What is the timing on the renovation?

The current plan calls for completion by early November. The schedule is, of course, subject to change. We are helped by the fact that there are no permits for structural changes required but contractors are now limiting crew size on site as a COVID-19 precaution. This means that trades such as carpenters, plumbers and electricians likely won’t be able to be on site at the same time so things may take longer.

Why are we spending money on a kitchen now?

The Glenview Kitchen has been an important part of Church life for generations of Glenview families and the community. It will be in the future, as well, providing we make changes to our layout and modernize the appliances we depend upon. Renovating now will allow us to emerge from the trials of COVID-19 with a resource that shows we at Glenview are committed to a strong future of fellowship.

How much will this cost?

Final costs will only be determined once Tenders are received so we have assumed a cost envelope in the $175,000 - 200,000 range for planning. This target was arrived at based on estimates for design, engineering, cabinet and appliance costs, finishes and actual construction costs.

How will Glenview pay for this?

The Kitchen renovation represents a Capital Expenditure, not an operating cost, so it is not reflected in the 2020 Annual Budget. Funding can come from Glenview Funds such as the Bequest Fund. In addition, specific gifts to the Kitchen Renovation Fund and grants from groups such as Out of The Cold will provide additional, important funding. At present, Memorial Fund Donations, gifts and grants to the Kitchen Renovation Project total over $60,000. As the project gets underway, it is expected that this total will continue to grow without impacting regular Glenview offerings. In addition, up to $100,000 will be available from investments, as part of the Centennial Project.

What are the next steps?

Plans have been submitted to a selected General Contractor to size costs and allow for final revisions to the Tender Documents. The finals will be presented to 3 General Contractors for submission. No structural changes mean a much simpler and hopefully faster process for permitting. The City has reopened the permit application process

Do we need to get approvals from Heritage Toronto?

No. There are no alterations to the exterior of the building, so no additional approvals are required.

Does the gas range have to be replaced?

No. The installation of the new stove and the accompanying ventilation/fire suppression system is a huge win for the renovation. The WA made absolutely the right choices at the time so no changes are now required. In fact the ventilation system was oversized at the time so it could provide coverage and protection for additional ovens or stoves.

With new appliances, will we have as much storage?

Yes. In fact, we will end up with more accessible storage space. Cabinets in the kitchen will be supplemented with floor units along the shared wall in the Church Hall. This can be accomplished without impacting line of sight or usage of the Hall.

There isn’t much natural light in the kitchen. Will we lose the one remaining window?

No. The window on the North wall will remain. The fact that the new dishwasher recycles water vapour rather than releasing it into the kitchen should create a more comfortable working environment.

Presbyterian Connection Newspaper

We can't distribute the Summer Issue in print. Once again, Glenview gets good coverage in the popular Photos section. We're trying for coverage in every issue! For those who don't subscribe, here's the link to the electronic edition.

DOWNLOAD .PDF OR READ ON SCREEN

When will we open our doors?

When will we open our doors for Sunday worship?

The GTA is still in Phase One of Ontario's staged opening after lockdown. But houses of worship all over the province can open for services. This calls on us to weigh the risks and benefits of resuming worship in the building, especially because we are in Toronto.

Some communities of faith have decided to open the doors to their worship spaces sooner, rather than later. We've found that most Presbyterian and United Churches, and all Anglican Churches in Toronto, will open later, rather than sooner.

Glenview Session has decided not to open for worship right away. Session will meet again on August 4 and set a date for worship in the building then. In the meantime, worship will continue via resources posted on the Glenview website.

Laurence DeWolfe will be on vacation through July, returning on August 4. James Mason will also be on vacation. He will return on August 9.

The number of people permitted at Weddings and Funerals has been increased, but not to the extent of the allowance for a congregation's regular worship.

As we must always say at this interesting time, more news to come!

Zoom to the Rockies! Now With Video!

An account of Donald Chu's adventure mountaineering in the Canadian Rockies, and the wonders of the General Mountaineering Camp, with the Alpine Club of Canada. Donald presented this program live on Wednesday, June 3.

COMMUNION FOR PENTECOST

Communion for Pentecost

By Session decision, and after an online discussion on Thursday evening, we will celebrate Holy Communion, virtually and live on Sunday. Those who would like to participate are invited to a Zoom meeting on Sunday, at 11:15 a.m. The invitation is below. Rev. Laurence and Rev. Janet DeWolfe will preside. Please set aside a beverage (juice, wine, or another beverage with flavour) and some bread (of any kind). You'll receive instructions before we proceed. If you can't participate at 11:15 the event will be recorded and posted with the Worship Resources for Sunday. We'll discuss the experience afterward.

Pentecost Communion

Sunday, May 31, 2020 11:15 AM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87423142302

Meeting ID: 874 2314 2302

Dial by your location

       +1 647 374 4685 Canada

       +1 647 558 0588 Canada

Meeting ID: 874 2314 2302

There are two separate Zoom meetings. One at 11:15 for Communion and another at 11:30 for Coffee Hour.

VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR

Our worship content may not be live (though recorded live!) but our after-service fellowship over coffee and tea continues. We meet face-to-face (face-to-faces) via Zoom, Sundays at 11:30 a.m.. The invitation and sign-in details will be sent out by email on Friday.

COVID-19 UPDATE

April 29, 2020

In keeping with the extension of both provincial and municipal Emergency Orders, Session agreed last night to continue the suspension of services, meetings, and rentals until May 31. We are waiting for the Premier's press briefing later today, when he will release more details of the three-stage plan for "re-opening Ontario". It's not clear whether Phase Two of Phase Three will allow us to open Glenview. We know things change from week to week, even day to day. As the Premier said, "It's a map, not a calendar."

The Virtual Coffee Hour on Sunday was a great success. At least 50 people were present for at least part of the gathering. The April Session meeting was also held via Zoom. It seems Zoom serves us better for meetings than for worship. Next Sunday, May 3, worship content will be pre-recorded and posted. We'll also meet for another Virtual Coffee Hour. One blessing of gathering by Zoom is the ability to bridge distances. It was great to share time with Francie Maroosis, from her new home in Guelph.

We weren't able to celebrate Holy Communion on Easter Sunday. Our next Communion is scheduled for Pentecost, May 31. If we are able to have a service in the church on that date, we will proceed more or less as usual. If worship is still online, Session has agreed to follow the example of many congregations and share the sacrament virtually. The Presbyterian Church in Canada's position is that there may be very particular circumstances under which such a practice is allowed.

Our ministry team and staff continue in their work. No one has been laid off. Our Bookkeeper, Andrea, works from home. Treasurer Barbara picks up mail at the church, does the banking, and stays in touch with Andrea. Andrea is tracking all the figures and has thoroughly researched Glenview's eligibility for financial assistance from the federal government. James and Fabian work in the building separately, completing tasks set by the Property Team. Laurence is in the main office and his own office several times a week. He checks for messages and sorts mail. Other times he works from his home. Jim is at home, visiting over the phone. Peter works with Laurence and our choir Section Leaders to prepare worship for Sundays. If at any time there are more than one person in the church building, appropriate distance is maintained.

Our regular distribution of Metro grocery cards will continue in May. We were able to share the cards in an appropriate way on April 7th and 8th. May dates are the 5th and 6th.

Thank you for your ongoing support during this strange time. A special thank you to those of you who have come to Glenview and deposited your envelopes through the mail slot! Some have had to stand on their tiptoes!

The best things we all can do at this time is follow the instructions of our leaders and medical experts. Pray for them, that they may have wisdom. Pray also for the members and friends of our congregation who work on the front lines in hospitals and nursing homes, and for the families of those who are in care but can't be visited. Give thanks for the many ways we continue to be connected to one another.

Worship While Services and Studies are Cancelled

During this difficult time, when we can’t meet in our church building, we have to feed our souls at home. We can stay in touch with each other by phone or email. We can pray, read our Bibles, and meditate anywhere. But we’re accustomed to preached messages and assisted prayers. Knowing that we’re hearing and praying the same words as others in our congregation can comfort us. Here are some suggestions.

1. The complete March 15 service is available in audio on our Sermon Podcast page.

2. This website includes an archive of sermons by several preachers since at least 2015. If you’d like to listen to a sermon you will find a link to the scriptures for that sermon in the introduction to the recording. If you know someone who isn’t into technology, but would like to hear a message, you can play it for them on your phone.

3. Check this website for Bible Study resources. The last three sessions of How to Read the Bible 1 are online.

4. Beginning on Wednesday, March 18, Laurence will post a daily reflection on weekdays, and a message on Sundays.

COVID-19 Precautions at Glenview

Please read carefully and share the content with people who don't have email.

At a meeting of congregational leaders and staff this afternoon, March 15 we made a difficult decision. All services and meetings at Glenview are cancelled until further notice. We hope to be able to resume worship with the 10:30 service on Easter Sunday, April 12. It's difficult to set any dates, however, as circumstances and instructions change daily. Our ministers and visitors will be available in times of need. Visits may be conducted by telephone. Helpers will be available to run errands for people who are unable to leave their homes during this time, and any who are afraid to go out. Anyone who is concerned about their offerings can call the church and ask for someone to pick it up from them at home. Devotional material and prayers will be available via the Glenview Facebook page and on this website.

COVID-19 (Corona Virus) Precautions at Glenview

It’s called Abundance of Caution. Scientists tell us we can slow the spread of the virus by acting now. We take precautions to protect ourselves. It’s more important that we understand we have to protect people around us. Until Public Health officials give further instructions we will continue to meet for worship on Sundays at 10:30, but with the following practices and restrictions.

1.     With great regret we will suspend the 9:00 service until further notice. The intimate atmosphere and worship space actually put us at risk. The Maundy Thursday evening service has also been cancelled. The Go Bus will not run until further notice.

2.     Enter the sanctuary from the narthex through the centre doors, or from the office corridor through the door in the west transept. There will be a greeter at each door with hand sanitizer. In the narthex you can also use the sanitizer dispensers installed there.

3.     When you’re in the sanctuary, please don’t sit close to others. Don’t shake hands.

4.     Follow the service on the screens. To minimize hand-to-hand contact, we will not print bulletins. We can’t thoroughly sanitize Hymn Books, Psalters, or Bibles. Please use them only if you can’t read from the screens. Clean your hands immediately after the service. Pump bottles of Purell will be placed among the pews. Choir members, use your own Book of Praise only. Wash your hands before and after worship and choir practice.

5.     To share the Peace of Christ, please stand, put your hands together in the position of prayer, and speak to those closest to you. Don’t leave your seat.

6.     Offering plates will not be passed down the pews. There will be plates at each entrance to the sanctuary. Please put your offering in the plate as you enter. If you forget, there will be a time in the service when you can go and place your envelope.

7.     There will be no refreshments served after the service until further notice.

8.     ON WEEKDAYS: Hand sanitizer will be available in all rooms where meetings are held. If it’s possible to conduct your meeting via telephone or online, please do so.

9.     PASTORAL CARE: Our ministers and other visitors may not be able to see you in person, especially if you live in a Nursing Home or Retirement Community. Visitation may be restricted or banned. We also have to observe all protocols and restrictions in hospitals. It may be necessary to visit by telephone.

10. SUNDAY GREETERS: Wash your hands thoroughly when you enter the building. Go to the office and get a bottle of Purell. Use it on your own hands. Take up your position (west transept door or centre aisle entrance from the narthex). Ask each person who wants to enter the sanctuary to extend a hand. Only your hand must touch the pump on the bottle. Reapply Purell to your own hands several times before the service begins.

It may be necessary to amend this list or add to it. Cancelling all services and meetings will be a last resort. However, use your own discretion about attending.

If we must close our doors, or if you are confined to your home, Glenview still needs your support. Please consider signing up for Pre-Authorized Remittance so you don’t have to worry about getting your envelope to the church.

Lenten BIble Study has moved to this Website

In keeping with our ongoing focus on passionate spirituality and spiritual practices, and in response to requests, this year's Lenten Bible Study will begin an ongoing exploration of How to Read the Bible. This is for anyone who would like to more about the Bible and how reading it can be or become an important part of our lives. We'll start at the beginning by asking the question, "What is the Bible?" You may be surprised by some of the answers we'll find!

Link to online sessions

95th Anniversary Celebration with Michael Coren

Lunch and Learn Sunday January 12

Christmas Eve at Glenview

Advent at Glenview

Advent Festival December 1

Advent Festival and Congregational Lunch 2019 December 1 Following Worship Lunch for everyone will be served in the Church Hall, followed by the Advent Festival with arts and craft workshops to support Glenview’s outreach programmes.  Lead our young people and model the act of sharing by coming to help prepare these “gifts of the season” for those who rely on our community outreach.

Advent Bible Study

Advent Study: Christmas Accounts in the Gospels, Wednesdays, November 27 & December 4,11,18. Sessions at Noon and 7:30 p.m. Each of the four Gospels begins the story of Jesus in a different way. We will pay an Advent / Christmas visit to all of them. There’s a brief reading for each week. Copies of the first reading will be available from Laurence or Lisa.