Submitted by Brad Inglis
…so, remember back in April and May when we thought the world was coming to an end, there would be no summer, all that we once knew would be gone and we couldn’t possibly survive? Here we are! Thanksgiving is over, there was turkey for many and a huge collective sigh of thankful relief that we have conquered more milestones. We are adaptable creatures. We are each brave in our own ways. We haven’t curled up in a ball in the corner. Gardens were planted, distanced deck visits happened, simple walks that we have taken for granted for years, have all of a sudden become a special treat. Visitors were cautiously received and these sweet reunions were that much more special because we realized just how important our relationships are.
One unexpected pleasure that I have found is knowing that although Mike Haythorne, our local tow truck driver, will have made a fortune for picking up stunt drivers along number 6 highway, at least he won’t be able to leave the country on a big European vacation! He’ll still be stuck in the Tub like all the rest of us!
So where do we go from here? By the time you read this our 2nd Chicken Barbecue will be over. The support for this event was truly amazing – thank you to everyone who bought a meal and all of the volunteers who helped to make the event possible.
St. Nicholas Bazaar Nov. 28th
Now we are full steam ahead towards the St. Nicholas Bazaar. It will look different for sure. Bake table sales will be done by pre-ordering and drive-thru pickup. We will have an online market with unique gift ideas, crafts by Twisted Roots, vintage items and some gently used things you can’t live without. All of the details aren’t finalized yet – but believe me, you will be the first to know when they are. The actual bazaar date will be Saturday November 28th with most things being done virtually. Learning to do things differently is the name of the game this year!
Our re-opening committee has been hard at work to ensure all protocols will be in place for when we start church again. Our plan right now is to hold our first church service in the building on Sunday November 1st. This will mean that you will need to register online at Tobermoryunitedchurch@eastlink.ca or call the church 519-596-2394.
Under covid regulations, we can only accommodate 30 people in the church. We have been fortunate enough to purchase an electronic “mister” that disinfects the church after use, all seats in the church have been marked for physical distancing, hand sanitizing stations have been set up and greeters will be trained to walk you through the process. We are excited at the prospect of gathering in person, even if it is at a distance. Seeing familiar masked faces will be good for our soul and help to keep us connected in these strange times.
Services will continue to be posted on Youtube and maybe even be streamed live for those who live at a distance or church in the building just isn’t your thing yet. There will be a short break in the online services but they will resume Sunday November 22nd.
Don’t forget that our Catholic friends have already resumed church – Saturday mornings at 11:30. All covid protocol is in place for them as well and they always welcome new guests!
…are we there yet? No not nearly! But we are on the road, we are learning new things every day, we continue to love and respect each other and reach out wherever we can!
Brad Inglis is the minister at Tobermory United Church. He can be reached at binglis2@me.com
519-596-2821 (Home)
www.tobermoryunited.ca
