What's New
Christmas Cookie Walk
The 2021 Pandemic version of the Christmas Cookie Walk is happening on Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 9:00 am until noon. The boxes of cookies will be picked up curb side near the main doors off the parking lot at 140 Abbeyhill Drive. You must order online. There will be no cookie sales on the day.
For more information contact the church office at 613-836-4756.
In-Person Services
Glen Cairn United has resumed in-person services. Click here to register. Registration is open from Sunday to Friday for the next week's service.
Our service experience is different than before COVID-19. We have put in place measures so that, together, we can protect each other. The number of worshippers in the sanctuary is restricted by physical distancing. Depending on how many people attend together in each group, a service can accommodate from 30 to 60 people.
Attendees must be fully vaccinated, preregister for the service, must arrive in time before the service for the available seating options, must be checked off upon entry for possible contact tracing, and must wear masks. The Church will have enhanced cleaning between services. Sanitizer and masks will be available (but we hope you will bring your own mask).
There are no children’s activities, no after-church fellowship, and no food or coffee. Your children are welcome to attend with you. They must remain in your care for the entire service.
Should I come in person?
In order to make the Church worship services as safe as possible for everyone, please take a self-assessment of your own risk in attending public gatherings, using the Ontario Public Health online tool https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/.
The online service continues. Please attend online if you are at risk or if you feel more comfortable staying home. We completely understand if you don't feel you can attend in person. You are part of our community whether you attend online or in person.
Please stay home if you are feeling ill. By staying home you protect others.
Preparing to return
Registration is required each week. Registration is open Sunday afternoon until Friday at noon for the next week's service. Click on the link at the top of this page to register. You may also call the church office at 613-836-4756 to register. If you leave a message, a staff member will call to confirm your reservation.
Masks are required in all indoor public spaces in Ottawa. Wearing a mask is a way of caring for others and ourselves. If you cannot wear a mask, we recommend you not attend.
Service Time
The service starts at 10:00 AM. Please arrive at 9:45 so you can be seated.
Entering the Building
Put on your mask when you arrive on the property or before leaving your vehicle. You must wear a mask to enter the building. A mask will be provided for you if you forget your own.
Please enter from the parking lot side of the building. On arriving you will be greeted outside under the portico. The greeter will check if you are registered and ask you several health questions.
Use the hand sanitizer station at the door to clean your hands.
Chairs have been removed from the sanctuary to maintain physical distance. Please remain in the seats provided to you by the usher, and refrain from moving the chairs.
Persons with special needs may park in the handicapped parking spaces on the Abbeyhill Drive side of the building, and enter by the Abbeyhill Drive doors. These doors will be locked. Please ring the bell for assistance.
Please do not enter by the doors at the main hall end of the building. The main hall, kitchen, and classrooms are closed during services.
Outreach Donations
You may drop off donations for the monthly outreach appeal before the service. Please place your items in the donation the bin, which is located by the door.
Gathering the Offering
The offering will not be gathered during the service. An offering plate is available at the entrance. Please place your offering envelopes into the plate as you enter.
During the Service
The congregation may sing quietly while masked. Soloists are safely separated from the congregation in the fishbowl at the back of the sanctuary.
Please keep your mask on during the service. Worship leaders will not wear masks while at the front of the church. This is the only exception.
We wish to limit movement in the sanctuary. We encourage you to remain seated until the end of the service. Should you need to leave during the service, please maintain a distance of 2m (6 ft) from others as much as possible.
We're all still learning how to live safely, and understand completely if your experience is different. If you do feel the need to leave, please contact us afterwards and let us know how we can do better.
Washrooms
One washroom is available. Use of the washroom is limited to one person at a time. An usher will guide you and indicate when it is safe to enter the washroom. Wash your hands thoroughly before leaving the washroom.
Leaving the Service
At the end of the service, keep your masks on until you reach your vehicle or leave the property. Sanitize your hands before removing your mask.
There is no fellowship time at the church after the service. The after church Zoom meeting will continue. Hurry home or you will miss it.
COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
Glen Cairn United is a welcoming church where we respect differences and build a Christian community through many different forms of fellowship. We are committed to protect the health and safety of our staff, members, adherents, and facility users. Public health authorities at the provincial and local levels have implemented a vaccination policy for businesses and organizations. This serves to complement public health measures already in place as described at Ottawa Public Health Coronavirus.
Discussion
The United Church of Canada supports the use of vaccines as an effective tool against the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines do not fully prevent individuals from transmitting or becoming sick with the virus. They have however shown to be effective against serious illness and death. The adoption of the GCUC COVID-19 vaccination policy is an appropriate measure to further protect staff and individuals participating in GCUC sponsored in-person activities.
Policy
Effective October 13, 2021, staff and individuals participating in GCUC sponsored in-person activities shall be fully vaccinated as determined by the provincial and local governments.
Implementation
There shall be eight (8) weeks for the implementation of this policy. Responsibility for the verification, exemption or alternate arrangements of this policy shall be:
1. For staff – Ministry and Personnel Committee;
2. For persons attending in-person worship – Worship Committee or designate; and
3. For persons attending GCUC sponsored in-person activities – Council or designate.
GCUC council will provide guidance to leaders of in-person activities on how to verify proof of vaccination.
As part of re-opening our facility, efforts have been taken to reduce instances where multiple groups are in the building at the same time. Renters will be responsible to ensure compliance with this policy as determined by Provincial and local governments.
OFFICE CLOSED
The church office is closed. We are checking messages regularly.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious and need to speak with someone please, call the church office at 613-836-4756. If you prefer to speak to Rev. Elaine directly you may call her cellphone number 613-240-9388. Our pastoral care team are willing to be listening ears. You may leave a confidential message at 613-435-4500, and someone will call you back as soon as possible. You are not alone; we are here for you and we are here for each other. This is one of the joys of being a community.
Announcements
Updated November 27Please contact the office for the contact information of our many volunteers.
In Memoriam Poinsettias
The flowers in the sanctuary are donated in loving memory of:
friends, Stephen Plante and Holly Murphy, by Hal & Faye Adams;
Telfer Beattie and Shirley Price, by Elaine Beattie and Harry Price;
husband Lindsay, by Nancy Bradley;
Stewart Carr, husband, father, and grandfather; and remembering Vickey Lynn Carr, daughter, mother, sister, and aunt, by Brenda Carr;
husband, Rod and son, Michael, by Valerie Haufe;
parents, Madeline & Doug Hough and Annie & Fred Maunder, by Bob & Dianne Hough;
parents and grandparents Al Johnston, Slavko Magajna, Dragica Doliska and Edouard Lee-Yow, by the Johnston and Lee-Yow families;
parents, Doris and Doug Acton, by Joy Judd;
Margaret (Nana) and Scott (Papa) Chalmers, by Anne, James and Jameson McEwen;
parents, Charles and Gwendolyn Thompson, by Hazel Pompey;
husband, Gordon Pringle, by Judy Pringle;
Sherry and Bradyn Heinz, niece and nephew, by David & Judy Rothwell;
grandparents, aunts, and uncles, by Sherry Sharpe and Rose Sharpe-Schmid;
Tom Shultz, Helen & Len Curtis, by Kathy Shultz;
parents, Walter & Nora Dodds, and Ben & Bea Small; by Marlin and Trevor Small;
mom, dad and Hercules, by Patricia Taylor
parents, by Cathy Turner; and
Rhoda & Bob Robertson, Esther & Dan Will and Cliff Symons, family members, by Patricia & Emmett Will.
Blue Christmas Service
Sunday, December 19th at 3:00 pm
Christmas Eve Services
6:00 pm Family Service
8:00 pm Carols and Lessons Service
11:00 pm Candles and Communion Service
On Sunday, December 26th, we will join with Kanata United Church and Bells Corners United Church for online worship. This year it will be led by GCUC.
COOKIE WALK
The 2021 Pandemic version of the Christmas Cookie Walk is happening on Saturday, December 4th from 9:00 am until noon. The boxes of cookies will be picked up curb side near the main doors off the parking lot. This is our congregation's largest fund-raiser of this year and we need everyone - men, women, and children - to bake Christmas cookies. This year we are asking everyone to fill out an online form at gcuc.ca to order cookies. I need to know this year how many Christmas cookies you will be baking plus the type (if possible) to match cookies baked to cookies ordered. Please pack your cookies in a disposable container or label your container and the lid. No need to package cookies in a special way. Our volunteers will be packaging the cookies in boxes so that each customer will receive one or more $20 boxes of festive homemade cookies. Your donations may be dropped off at the church (main doors) on Thursday, Dec. 2 from 9-11 am or from 6-8 pm or on Friday, Dec. 3 at 9 am for those baking at the last minute. Remember to tell your friends and neighbours - this is the easiest way to purchase a variety of cookies for their Covid-friendly holiday entertaining! Through UCW, the money we raise will go towards to our church's operating expenses. We need volunteers on Saturday from men, women, and teenagers: to direct traffic, accept money, take the cookies to the customers’ cars, and to clean up. To help, please be vaccinated and you will be required to wear a mask. If you can help or need any more information please call Martha Townshend Colford
Do you have gift cards on your Christmas shopping list this year?
If so, please consider ordering them through the church, and at the same time, contributing to the fundraising activities of GCUC.
So, how does it work? Please review the attached form and you'll see the denominations that are offered by each retailer.
GCUC Christmas 2021 gift cards form
Then, send an email to giftcards@gcuc.ca and let Sharron know which cards you would like. Payment can be made either by cheque or e-transfer to office@gcuc.ca (please indicate Gift Cards on the memo section of the transfer).
What are the key dates? The order will be placed on December 3rd, with the cards expected by the following Friday (December 10th). Once the cards arrive, Sharron will contact you to arrange a time and place for you to receive your cards.
What if you need additional information? Please contact Sharron at giftcards@gcuc.ca. This fundraising program runs throughout the year, and so far in 2021 has raised over $1,500. We routinely carry the popular grocery, gas and coffee cards at all times, so please feel free to contact Sharron if you would like to know more.
Kanata Food Cupboard Adopt-a-Family Program:
If you are interested in adopting a local family for Christmas, please refer to the Kanata Food Cupboard's website at the following link: https://www.kanatafoodcupboard.ca/adoptafamily The deadline to apply is December 12.
Christmas Outreach: This year Glen Cairn United Church will once again be supporting Christmas Smiles for Seniors.
The Smiles for Seniors program works with senior residences and communities in the Ottawa area serving all those who are receiving assistance from the City of Ottawa. The City of Ottawa senior residences also house adults with disabilities, who are included in the program. This year we are happy to continue to support Carleton Lodge, with modifications similar to last year's program to adhere to COVID safety guidelines.
Thank you to those who have adopted a senior. ALL SENIORS HAVE NOW BEEN ADOPTED.
Wrapped and labelled gifts can be dropped off in the back parking lot of the church on Sunday, December 5th 1-2pm or Sunday, December 12th 1-2pm, or in the Outreach Bin on either of these Sundays if you are attending church in-person. If you are unable to drop off during these times, please contact Holly to make alternate arrangements. Please DO NOT leave gifts outside the church.
If you have any questions, please contact Holly Egan or Cathy Turner.
Pastoral Care Team
“Reach out and connect in Christ’s name”:Members of the Pastoral Care Team continue to offer their care and spiritual compassion to those who request them on a confidential basis. We can now have visits within the protocols for COVID 19 and can also connect by phone, e-mail, cards, and through prayers. Our contact person for November is Moe Wright. Or you can call our confidential number (613-435-4500) and leave a message which will be returned promptly.
Healing Pathway Team
The GCUC Healing Pathway Team continues to offer a modified ministry of healing and prayer within the church and community until the church building reopens. On alternate Monday mornings, we gather via Zoom with anyone who wishes to receive a distance healing session, pray and meditate together. Please contact our Coordinator, Nancy Kerr at healingpathwaygcuc@gmail.com to be invited or to receive an individual session. Alternatively, you can call our confidential number (613-435-4500) and leave a message which will be returned promptly. We can still connect heart-to-heart in faith and hope!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Morning Prayers on Facebook on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00 am
Wednesday Afternoon Craft Group
Every Wednesday at 3:30 pm by Zoom.
Thursday Evening Craft Group
Every Thursday at 7:30 pm by Zoom.
Please contact Vida Johnston for additional information
Adult Bible Study Wednesday Night between 7:00 and 8:00 pm by Zoom
We carry on with Acts 24 and Paul begins his journey to Rome but it may not have been as speedy or direct as he had thought. Still, he knows he is going to get there because of Acts 23 verse 11. I wonder if that was a comfort to the prisoner? Come and join us on Wednesday evenings from 7.00 to 8.00 as we read and ponder over this wonderful chapter. No experience necessary just and willingness to read scripture and wonder at the verses.
Contact me, Kevin McComas and I will send you the link.
Thursday Morning Bible Study – 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
If you are interested in joining this Bible Study, please contact Patricia Taylor
Friday morning Coffee ‘n Conversation AT 10:00am
You will need to pre-register with Pat Will by Thursday, 3:00 pm, each week. All are welcome, but numbers will be limited in adherence with Covid protocols. Please bring your own coffee. We will meet in the Main Hall; health and Covid protocols are in place.
Book Club – Tuesday, December 14th at 7:00 pm (by Zoom)
We will discuss “All We Leave Behind: A Reporter’s Journey into the Lives of Others“ by Carol Off.
The following meeting will be on Tuesday, January 11th at 7:00 pm when we will discuss “Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted” by Suleika Jaouad.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Zoom Trivia Night (multiple choice questions!) in support of Campus Ministry at Algonquin College: Friday, December 3 at 7:00.
You can either organize a team of your own or join others who will be participating, all in support of the ecumenical Christian Campus Ministry that serves the students and staff at Algonquin College. Cost: Freewill donation.
Hosted by St. Stephen's Anglican Church. For the Zoom link, (please see below) will be live at 6:45 PM on Friday, December 3.
For more information, contact Jack Wilson
West Ottawa Ladies Chorus - Free virtual concert (donations will be gratefully accepted).
Will be available starting December 3rd at 7:30 pm at www.westottawaladieschorus.ca/events
Newsletters
2021 GCUC Summer Reach Out Newsletter.pdf2021 GCUC Fall Reach Out Newsletter.pdfSolar Panel Output
Find out what's new with the solar panel output here.