With the churches being closed for an indefinite period, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Pastor's Messages, the GuidePost & Eastern Synod Letters will be posted on this page.
Hello All,
As you know, I will be away on vacation from August 1st and returning August 9th. Here are the links for these worship services on Aug 2nd and Aug 9. There services are prerecorded on YouTube. Please note that these services will be only available starting on the Sunday's listed. You may then view them at anytime of the day. I would like to know your opinion if this format is a good way to broadcast our services.
For Sunday Aug. 2nd, 2020 use this link:
For Sunday Aug. 9th use this link:
Peace be with you!
Rev. Ralph Weigold
Pastor of Grace Eganville, St. John's Bonnechere and St. John's Augsburg
241 Bonnechere St. E; PO Box 394,
Eganville, ON
K0J 1T0
613-628-2867
I will be starting this week in person visits at your homes via appointments only.
As you may know, I was tested about a week ago for COVID-19 and results was negative. I will continue to be tested regularly (every 2-3 weeks) to ensure I am still clear of the virus. I will follow strict social distancing guidelines and will expect the same from those I visit. This means, social distancing - 6 FT. apart and wearing a mask.
I am still not permitted to visit in Long Term Care Homes, seniors residences, and hospitals. However, should you wish for me to visit in these places, you will need to request a visit via the staff. Once they approve you can then call me at the church number.
Should you wish a in-person visit, please call the church at 613-628-1392 and leave a message. I will call back to set up a date and time for the visit.
This may seem extreme, but I want to ensure that are visits are safe for both of us.
Please pass this on to those you know that may not have e-mail, this will be in our next mailing of the GAB next week.
Rev. Ralph Weigold
Pastor of Grace Eganville, St. John's Bonnechere and St. John's Augsburg
241 Bonnechere St. E; PO Box 394,
Eganville, ON
K0J 1T0
613-628-2867
Friends,
As you may have heard that the Province of Ontario has entered phase 2 of the re-opening plan for various business and places of worship has also been mentioned. However, all of the Lutheran Churches of the Eastern Synod will remain close until the beginning of September.
I have attached a letter from our Bishop Michael Pryse, which details the reason for this decision.
He writes
"Early last week the Anglican House of Bishops in the Province of Ontario decided that their churches will not re-open for in person worship until September 2020 at the earliest, regardless of where the Government of Ontario is with its reopening plan. This decision was made in consultation with public health experts, with the well-being and safety of parishioners and the communities they serve uppermost in their hearts and minds. I have also clearly heard that our pastors and deacons would welcome a directive of this kind. As such, it is my strong recommendation that our synod’s congregations not contemplate initiating in-person worship experiences within our church buildings until the beginning of September at the earliest."
I believe that this decision is the correct one for us. There will be lots to do to get the churches to a state where we can open safely and not hastily. We still need to be careful and continue to practice safe distancing rules. If we let our guard down, the virus could re-strengthen.
Therefore, we will continue with our practice that we implemented so far: sending prayers and reflection with a homily each week, conduct "live worship" via ZOOM, and phone visits during the week. Our church office will be open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 to noon. Basically, our church is open and being so we are asking, if possible, your offerings and prayers for the coming months.
May the blessings of our Lord be with you and strengthen you always.
Rev. Ralph Weigold
Pastor of Grace Eganville, St. John's Bonnechere and St. John's Augsburg
241 Bonnechere St. E; PO Box 394,
Eganville, ON
K0J 1T0
613-628-2867