UPDATE

Drop off times this week – Monday to Wednesday, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Please call 613-257-3178 and press 9 to make alternate arrangements

Thanks for holding off over the weekend. Believe it or not, we’re still sorting. We have some of everything we can think of, so the urgency is low. If you’re really keen on making a difference in this effort, remember that money moves easier than physical items.

We’re going to focus this week on babies. Here’s what we’re asking for this week:

We’ll let you know when we’re ready for clothing and toiletries again. Meanwhile, if you have to donate them elsewhere because they’re taking up space (we can identify) then please find them a good home.

Last week was amazing!! Scroll through to the end of this post to see what it looks like so far.

We have toothbrushes – more than anyone could ever ask or imagine, and many other toiletry items. Our little tuck shop is well on it’s way to being fully stocked. And we have so many donations we still have to go through! But we know you still want to be a part of this amazing community effort. If you’re interested in donating, here’s what we know we’re missing:

• clothing for boys and girls age 5-19, specifically:
  • socks
  • pyjamas
  • jeans
• spring jackets (adults and children)
• dental floss/picks
• deodorant
• Q-tips (smaller packs)
• mouthwash (please check expiry dates)

Please do not drop off medications of any kind. Remember: we can’t give out partially used bottles, tubes or personal items that are not in their original packaging.

Please, please, please: no housewares, furniture or larger items. We may ask for those later on, but we don’t have anyone to pass them onto yet. If you have a good idea that we haven’t considered (like the woman who offered a baby stroller) please contact the church office. We can’t take everything, so please do not be disappointed if you arrive and he have to say “no, thanks!”

If you would like to contribute your time to the effort, click this link and fill out the form to let the organizers know how you can help. If you have the means, we still encourage financial donations large and small.

Before, during

…and after

UPDATE, FEBRUARY 24 – This Sunday we will begin offering Holy Communion in both kinds across the Parish. We also found out this week that as of March 6, all parishes in the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa have the option of allowing presiders, preachers, readers and intercessors to remove their masks when speaking (other than that, everyone must remain masked, except to take communion). We welcome hearing from people who may have concerns one way or the other. Please speak with a churchwarden or contact the clergy at 613-257-3178 x 21.

UPDATE, FEBRUARY 17 – This week’s COVID Communiqué from our Diocese stated that congregational singing is now allowed. Those attending services in the churches in our Parish should assume that others attending the service may be singing, and measure the risk accordingly.

ANNOUNCEMENT, FEBRUARY 13

The clergy team announces that the churches of the Area Parish of Mississippi Lake will come back to in-person worship on Sunday, February 13 according to the following schedule:

• St James’ Carleton Place, 8:00 am and 10:00 am
• St James’ Franktown, 9:00 am
• Christ Church Ashton, 9:00 am
• St John’s Innisville, 11:00 am
• St Bede’s Nolan’s Corners, 11:00 am
• Thursdays at 10:00 am, St James’ Carleton Place resume on February 17

For the time being, the parish office will be open for parishioners Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am to 1 pm. We please ask that you consider an email or a phone call instead of coming in person. Cathy is covering the phones during regular office hours, so call any day of the week.

It is more important than ever that anyone with COVID symptom should assume they have it and stay home.

When you come, you can expect something close to what we were doing before Christmas. 

• Seating capacity is limited, and physical distancing (except for members of the same household) must be maintained at all times.
• Proof of vaccination will be required when you arrive (with the exception of Thursdays at St James’ Carleton Place). 
• Pre-registration will not be required.
• Masks must be worn throughout the service, except when taking communion. The use of three-layer, medical, or N95 masks is encouraged.
• No congregational singing is permitted. The choir, however, is allowed to sing UPDATED ON FEB 17
• Social time is not permitted yet – people should leave church promptly.

Please feel free to contact us with questions, feedback and concerns about this decision, or any other aspect of our church’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.