Updated: Thursday, April 6, 2023
We are pleased to share an update regarding our Covid precautions.
As of Thursday, April 6, masks will be optional in all areas of the church building.
Walton’s Council members have voted unanimously to approve the following resolution: Be it proposed that masks become optional in all areas of Walton’s church life beginning Thursday, April 6th.
Those who still wish to wear masks are, of course, encouraged to do so.
We still recommend masks if you have been exposed to someone with Covid, and ask you to stay home if you feel unwell. If you have been exposed to illness in your household, mask-wearing is recommended as a courtesy to others. If you are feeling unwell or showing symptoms of illness yourself, we ask that you stay home.
Updated: Wednesday, January 11 2023
Please do not come to church if you have a cough, cold, fever, or other symptoms of illness. We encourage those who are feeling unwell to worship with Walton virtually.
Important reminder: Masks are required for everyone age 3 and up in the church sanctuary. There are several vulnerable members of our church family who are unable to worship in person unless everyone is masked. Masking in church is a simple step we can all take in the spirit of loving our neighbours.
Masks are NOT required at fellowship time. Everyone who is comfortable is welcome to enjoy coffee, tea, juice and treats in Bronte Hall between our two Sunday services (begins at approximately 10:30am).
Updated: Monday, March 7, 2022
Welcome back to Walton – again!
We are delighted to resume in-person worship and Sunday School programming as of Sunday, March 27, 2022 at 930am and 11am. For those who prefer to worship at home, virtual services will continue to be sent out weekly by email and posted on Facebook and YouTube.
The format and procedures for live worship are the same as when we paused services in December 2021 with one notable exception: With the March 1st, change of provincial rules on vaccination, proof of vaccination is no longer required to attend in person.
Medical masks (no cloth masks or plastic face shields) must be worn at all times inside the church building by everyone age 3 and up. If you do not have a medical mask, one will be provided to you at the entrance.
Advance registration is still required each week, and seating will be assigned by household bubble to ensure physical distancing. Registration opens at 9:00am on Mondays and closes at 11:59pm on Thursdays.
Entry to the sanctuary is through the main Tower Door, unless you require the elevator then it is the Allen Entrance.
Entry for kids and youth programs will be through the glass doors by Bronte Hall. (JK-Grade 5 in Bronte Hall. Grades 6-8 in the Mini Gym. Teen Talk (Grades 9-12) in Youth Hall)
Please note that choir, congregational singing, and coffee time are still paused for the time being.
For more information, see our Sunday Registration page!
Updated: Monday, December 20, 2021
Dear Walton Family and Friends,
With sadness but a deep desire to protect everyone, we announce that Walton United Church will be pausing all live worship services effective immediately, including those planned for Christmas Eve. In light of the exponential growth in COVID-19 cases and associated risks, this decision is a necessary step to protect the congregation and the communities we serve. Walton’s Council will re-evaluate the option of in-person services in January.
Virtual services will continue to be emailed to subscribers and posted on Walton’s social media channels every Sunday at 8:30am until live services resume. And we will celebrate Christmas virtually at 4:30pm on Christmas Eve and 8:30am on Christmas Day.
The Church office will continue to be open Tuesdays through Fridays from approximately 9am to 12pm, and at other times by appointment. Staff can always be reached at their individual email addresses or by phoning the Church office. Our locked door policy remains in effect; visitors must ring the Allen Entrance doorbell, sign in and out, and complete a health screening to enter the building.
New: Anyone entering the building must be wearing a medical-grade mask. Acceptable options include 3-layer procedure masks, KF94, KN95, N95 or similar. Cloth masks and / or plastic face shields are not permitted. Procedure masks will be provided at the Walton door free to anyone who does not have one to be able to enter the building.
Please know this decision was not taken lightly, as we recognize how important worshipping in person is to you, as it is to us. We pray that this variant proves to be less severe than previous versions and that we may gather together for services again soon.
We pray for you and your family, and that you will be safe and healthy over the Christmas holidays.
Stay safe and God bless,
Rev. Jim Gill
Updated: Sunday, October 17th, 6:00pm
In-person Services are back!
Updated: Tuesday, June 9th, 5:00pm
On June 8th, the Ontario government made an announcement that churches are permitted to open at 30% of its building’s capacity. It has been recently decided by Walton Council and Trustees that it is too soon for Walton to reopen.
Some of Walton’s leaders and staff have been working on a plan over the last 6 weeks regarding the reopening of Walton. This draft re-opening plan is based on guidance from many credible sources including the United Church of Canada and will require Council’s approval before it can be implemented. It is focused on what they feel is best to ensure the health and safety for our people, volunteers and staff.
As you can appreciate, there are many different people and situations to take into consideration when creating and then implementing the re-opening plan. We thank you for your patience and understanding. More information will be shared when it is available.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Updated: Monday, March 31th, 12:30pm
Dear Walton Friends,
Most local church congregations of various denominations are now closed for services and programs. Walton Church Council approved that as of Sunday afternoon, March 15, Walton will have a full closure of all church facilities, and the cancellation of services, meetings, and programming until further notice.
To replace the Sunday Services we will email everyone on Sunday mornings, a copy of the Sunday sermon, a pastoral prayer, scripture reading and the words of two hymns.
For a more traditional experience, we encourage you to visit the United Church of Canada Facebook page on Sundays, where they will be streaming a weekly worship service.
We are suspending all home, nursing home or hospital visits unless it is an emergency and specifically requested by the family – provided it is not COVID-19 related.
The church staff is working from home and we are available to assist you with administrative and pastoral needs. Please leave a voice message on our main phone line (905-827-1643) or email office@waltonmemorial.
In the event of a pastoral emergency, please contact Rev. Jim directly by email at jamescgillwuc@gmail.com.
We know this period of isolation and worry can be stressful, particularly for those with existing health challenges. We are here to help. If you are in need of essential supplies, medications, or food, and are unable to leave your house or do not have someone else who can shop for you, please call or email the church office. We are coordinating volunteer deliveries of necessities and all requests will be kept confidential.
As this situation continues to evolve, please monitor Walton’s own social media channels, website and email for further updates.
Some important reminders:
• Please communicate with staff by email or phone if you are unwell so we can pray, call or email with you.
• Please follow all the official heath directions from various levels of government.
• Go to reliable sources for information and updates. The Government of Canada website has excellent information and resources on COVID-19, click here to go to their website.
This is a challenging time but if we follow the advice of health professionals and the government, hopefully, the risk of this virus can be minimized.
Blessings,
Rev. Gill, Staff and Council
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
