With pandemic numbers still high, and with Health Authority Directives unchanged for the next three weeks, Synod leadership met in a virtual Town Hall across the synod Friday, Jan 29th. Pastor Ali Tote and Bishop Sid presented on the state of the pandemic at present and the recommendation to retain synod guidelines that were set in place on November of 2020 for the duration of the Health Order (until Feb. 19), at which time Synod will convene a Town Hall to review guidelines. Upon discussion, Continue reading →

Happy new year, everyone. As annual meeting time approaches our congregations, church leadership across the synod is in the process of discerning how to conduct their annual meetings in pandemic times. It is particularly difficult task given the way the ‘world’ changes around us, and the way the Health Directives change responding to that world. For some congregations, it may still be possible to meet in person following Health Directives. For others, a virtual meeting will be necessary. For others, a hybrid of face to Continue reading →

With the latest phase of the pandemic upon us and new Health Directives appearing from the Sask Health Authority, Synod presents updated Guidelines for the faith communities  based on the Town Hall consultations earlier this week. Bishop’s letter on response to COVID Nov 27, 2020 Revised Synod Guidelines Nov 27, 2020

With fall approaching and schools re-opening, synod consulted with the rostered leaders and faith community leadership about issues regarding re-opening worship spaces in the fall. Below are the Sask Synod resources generated: The bishop’s letter outlining the process; the synod’s recommendations; revised guidelines and checklist. Bishop’s letter on reopening worship spaces Recommendation and Rationale to Re-open worship spaces Revised Guidelines for re-opening worship spaces Revised Checklist for re-opening worship spaces

With the provincial government’s announcement in June 2020 of re-open Saskatchewan phase 3, the decision regarding whether to reopen worship spaces has come to our congregations. Engaging that question brings with it necessary questions of what specific preparations are required of congregations considering reopening physical worship. Synod has brought in Rev. Dr. Ali Tote–a member of our roster and an epidemiologist– to consult with the roster of ministers and the roster of congregations and to produce with Bishop Sid. These guidelines are related to the Continue reading →

Our Saskatchewan Synod (ELCIC) churches will follow the direction of our Health authorities and will not be gathering for worship during the COVID-19 pandemic. But we will still be the church. We will still worship together. Your congregation may be livestreaming their services through the internet. Often you are invited to join breakout rooms for virtual ‘coffee time’ afterward. Or your congregation may have decided to invite members to join one of the services offered online. National church has collected that list. Online worship services Continue reading →

Our churches have always depended on funding the ministry of the congregation by gathering 52 Sundays each year and ‘passing the plate’. During COVID-19 we will not be able to gather together in our churches for an extended period of time. During that time we will need to find alternative ways of funding our congregations. Our national and synodical treasurers met by video conference to discuss this. They produced a concise, practical guide to “Giving Alternatives” during COVID-19. The treasurers also provided  a sample template Continue reading →

National church has collected a webpage of resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. The page includes joint letters posted during the COVID crisis from the ELCIC national bishop and synodical bishops. The page includes resources for worship by posting links to congregations that are posting services online. It includes letters from the National and synodical treasurers on giving alternatives when ‘passing the plate’ is not an option. The treasurers also provide an update for congregations on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. The page also includes letters Continue reading →