COVID-19 Update November 2022
We have no restriction on the number of attendees at services, so please feel free to come back to the sanctuary and enjoy. Please remember:
- Worship online at home if you have any symptoms of illness
- Wear a mask within the church building when attending services. Choir members will sing without masks, but they only attend after confirming they are free from symptoms and have had a negative rapid-test that morning.
- The Book of Prayer Requests is available just inside the Sanctuary
- Sign-in is no longer required
For church-sponsored indoor activities, please remember:
- Do not attend if you have any symptoms of illness
- Masking is recommended but optional. We are still mask-friendly. Before electing to unmask, please consider the potential impact on other vulnerable congregants and vulnerable family members. We all have a responsibility to ensure one another’s continued health.
- Sign-in is no longer required
The above will be revisited monthly by the Board, and sooner if there is a rapid surge in community COVID transmission.
COVID-19 Update Fall 2022
News from the Transition Team
We continue to wear our masks inside the church building during services, as unmasked singing is considered a high-risk activity for COVID transmission. For most other church activities, masking is recommended but optional (please check with the Transition Team if unsure). We have no restriction on the number of attendees, so please feel free to come back to the sanctuary and enjoy.
As before:
• Bring your own coffee and meet us in the parking lot at 10:30 a.m.
• Coffee time online will continue
• We will continue to sign in when we arrive at the church.
• The Book of Prayer Requests is available just inside the Sanctuary for prayer requests.
• We continue to wear our masks inside the church building.
Reminder: please worship online at home if you have any symptoms of illness.
COVID-19 Update November 2021
We continue to operate within with Ontario Ministry of Health and Toronto Public Health evolving COVID-19 Guidelines and Bylaws for faith-based organizations.
We are re-opening for in-person services, taking into account capacity limits which are designed to keep us safe.
Special notes on in-person worship:
Registration is required for in-person worship. You can register on Eventbrite by Saturday at 6pm (link to be provided weekly in SM News) or by contacting Carol in the office by Friday at noon. We will be working within capacity limits.
Starting at 10:30am, someone will be in the narthex of the church checking vaccine certificates. You must also provide a piece of government issued photo ID with Date of birth. Please arrive no later than 10:45am.
If you do not have your certificate and ID (or proof of exemption and negative test result), you will not be allowed in the sanctuary.
Once you show your certificate and ID (or proof of exemption and negative test result), you will then sign-in and complete COVID screening. If you have registered through Eventbrite, you have already completed your COVID screening.
While in worship, you must wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, keep distanced from others not of your household, refrain from conversation closer than two metres with those outside your household, and refrain from congregational singing, which is not currently permitted. However, please stand as you are able for the hymns!
There will be no coffee hour. The church offices and the Friendship Room/Library are off-limits and will not be open. Please keep your coats and jackets with you as the coat racks will not be available. At the end of the service, continue to observe the masking and social distancing requirements, and leave quietly and without rushing.
Unvaccinated children will not be able to attend worship services at this time. However, they will be able to attend Sunday School in the basement at the same time as worship services. The drop off & pick up for Sunday school is at the basement door.
COVID-19 Update July 2021
St. Mark’s Church COVID-19 Updated Access Guidelines July 13, 2021
St. Mark’s is following all provincial guidelines consistent with the recent movement into Step 3 of the reopening plan, but with all other previous restrictions still in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
- St. Mark’s is closed to the general public and all group activities
- Sunday worship is currently taking place online and will continue to do so
- Visitors are permitted in the church in small numbers, consistent with the need for physical distancing. Masks must be worn within the church. Visitors must not enter if they have any concerns regarding health or disease transmission and or signs of COVID-19 (cough, fever, difficulty breathing etc..) Visitors must call before visiting
- On the grounds or in the parking lot, visitors may gather in a group of up to 100, so long as physical distancing can be maintained. Masks must be worn in large groups. Small groups of fully vaccinated people may unmask if all are comfortable with this. Please enjoy our outdoor Labyrinth (one person at a time please) and Spring Pilgrimage/Reflection signs which have been posted on the front lawn of the church. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor gatherings may move into the church basement with masks and physical distancing (maximum 24 people).
- There is no access to the church offices and all remaining rooms and spaces within the church are limited to essential use only
- All visitors must wear a mask and practice “Social Distancing” (2 metres) at all times while inside the facility
- All visitors must use hand sanitizer (provided) during entry and exit of the building
- Upon entry, Visitors must sign in on the provided “Visitors Contact List” indicating the Date and Time along with their Name and Contact Information
Church cleaning as follows:
- The church is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected twice a week using Federal government approved COVID-19 cleaning agents and the frequency may be increased as user activity within the church rises
- Special care is taken to disinfect high use and high touch areas during each cleaning
- Church staff disinfects all high touch surfaces before exiting the building at the end of each day (4 times a week)
If you require further information please feel free to call the church office.
COVID-19 Update June 4, 2021
St. Mark’s Church COVID-19 Updated Access Guidelines
St. Mark’s is following all provincial guidelines consistent with the lifting of stay-at-home orders June 2, but with all other previous restrictions still in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
- St. Mark’s is closed to the general public and all group activities
- Sunday worship is currently taking place online and will continue to do so
- Visitors are not allowed in the church with the exception of those engaged in church-related activities. (ie: work, building maintenance, cleaning and plant care) Visitors must not enter if they have any concerns regarding health or disease transmission and or signs of COVID-19 (cough, fever, difficulty breathing etc..) Visitors must call before visiting
- On the grounds or in the parking lot, visitors may gather in a group no larger than 10. Social distancing and masking guidelines must be followed. Please enjoy our outdoor Labyrinth (one person at a time please) and Spring Pilgrimage/Reflection signs which have been posted on the front lawn of the church
- There is no access to the church offices and all remaining rooms and spaces within the church are limited to essential use only
- All visitors must wear a mask and practice “Social Distancing” (2 metres) at all times while inside the facility
- All visitors must use hand sanitizer (provided) during entry and exit of the building
- Upon entry, Visitors must sign in on the provided “Visitors Contact List” indicating the Date and Time along with their Name and Contact Information
- Church cleaning as follows:
Church cleaning as follows:
- The church is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected twice a week using Federal government approved COVID-19 cleaning agents and the frequency may be increased as user activity within the church rises
- Special care is taken to disinfect high use and high touch areas during each cleaning
- Church staff disinfects all high touch surfaces before exiting the building at the end of each day (4 times a week)
If you require further information please feel free to call the church office.
St. Mark’s Church Grey Lockdown – Stay at Home Order – COVID-19 Access Guidelines
Apr.8-2021
This guide provides St. Mark’s congregation and users with information on what is required during the recently announced provincial “Grey Lockdown-Stay at Home Order” period, which began in Toronto on Thursday, Mar.8th and will continue until Thursday, May 6th to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
- St. Mark’s is closed to the general public and all group activities
- Sunday worship is currently taking place online and will continue to do so
- Visitors are not allowed in the church with the exception of those performing essential services. (ie: work, building maintenance, cleaning and plant care) Visitors must not enter if they have any concerns regarding health or disease transmission and or signs of COVID-19 (cough, fever, difficulty breathing etc..)
- No activities other than essential services (ie: grounds maintenance and sign updating) should take place on the grounds or in the parking lot No activities other than essential services (ie: grounds maintenance and sign updating) should take place on the grounds or in the parking lot, with the exception of safely visiting the Spring Pilgrimage/Reflection signs which have been posted on the front lawn of the church.
- There is no access to the church offices and all remaining rooms and spaces within the church are limited to essential use only
- All visitors must wear a mask and practice “Social Distancing” (2 metres) at all times while inside the facility
- All visitors must use hand sanitizer (provided) during entry and exit of the building
- Upon entry, Visitors must sign in on the provided “Visitors Contact List” indicating the Date and Time along with their Name and Contact Information
Church cleaning as follows:
- The church is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected twice a week using Federal government approved COVID-19 cleaning agents and the frequency may be increased as user activity within the church rises
- Special care is taken to disinfect high use and high touch areas during each cleaning
- Church staff disinfects all high touch surfaces before exiting the building at the end of each day (4 times a week)
If you require further information please feel free to call the church office.
St. Mark’s Church COVID-19 Updated Access Guidelines Mar. 9, 2021
This guide provides St. Mark’s congregation and users with information on what is required during the recently announced cancellation of the “State of Emergency” and return to the provincial “Grey-Lockdown” status which began in Toronto on Friday, Mar. 5th to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
- St. Mark’s is closed to the general public and most group activities. Exceptions may be made if the gathering is for religious services, rites or ceremonies with a maximum number of 10 participants. Please call the church office for information and availability.
- Sunday worship is currently taking place online and will continue to do so
- Visitors are allowed in the church for church related matters only and they are asked to call ahead prior to their visit to ensure that proper safety measures can be maintained.
- Visitors must not enter if they have any concerns regarding health or disease transmission and or signs of COVID-19 (cough, fever, difficulty breathing etc..)
- There is no access to the church offices and all remaining rooms and spaces within the church are limited to essential use only
- All visitors must wear a mask and practice “Social Distancing” (2 metres) at all times while inside the facility
- All visitors must use hand sanitizer (provided) during entry and exit of the building
- Upon entry, Visitors must sign in on the provided “Visitors Contact List” indicating the Date and Time along with their Name and Contact Information
Church cleaning as follows:
- The church is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected twice a week using Federal government approved COVID-19 cleaning agents and the frequency may be increased as user activity within the church rises
- Special care is taken to disinfect high use and high touch areas during each cleaning
- Church staff disinfects all high touch surfaces before exiting the building at the end of each day (4 times a week)
If you require further information please feel free to call the church office.
St. Mark’s Church State of Emergency – COVID-19 Access Guidelines Jan. 14, 2021
This guide provides St. Mark’s congregation and users with information on what is required during the recently announced provincial “State of Emergency-Grey Lockdown” period, which began in Toronto on Thursday, Jan.14th and will continue until Thursday, Feb.11th to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
- St. Mark’s is closed to the general public and all group activities
- Sunday worship is currently taking place online and will continue to do so
- Visitors are not allowed in the church with the exception of those performing essential services. (ie: work, building maintenance, cleaning and plant care) Visitors must not enter if they have any concerns regarding health or disease transmission and or signs of COVID-19 (cough, fever, difficulty breathing etc..)
- No activities other than essential services (ie: winter maintenance and sign updating) should take place on the grounds or in the parking lot
- There is no access to the church offices and all remaining rooms and spaces within the church are limited to essential use only
- All visitors must wear a mask and practice “Social Distancing” (2 metres) at all times while inside the facility
- All visitors must use hand sanitizer (provided) during entry and exit of the building
- Upon entry, Visitors must sign in on the provided “Visitors Contact List” indicating the Date and Time along with their Name and Contact Information
Church cleaning as follows:
- The church is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected twice a week using Federal government approved COVID-19 cleaning agents and the frequency may be increased as user activity within the church rises
- Special care is taken to disinfect high use and high touch areas during each cleaning
- Church staff disinfects all high touch surfaces before exiting the building at the end of each day (4 times a week)
If you require further information please feel free to call the church office.
St. Mark’s Church COVID-19 Access Guidelines – Dec. 4, 2020
This guide provides St. Mark’s congregation and users with information on what is required during the provincial “Grey-Lockdown” period, which began in Toronto on November 23 to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
- St. Mark’s is closed to the general public and all group activities
- Sunday worship is currently taking place online and will continue to do so
- Visitors are allowed in the church for essential purposes only, but Visitors must not enter if they have any concerns regarding health or disease transmission and or signs of COVID-19 (cough, fever, difficulty breathing etc..)
- There is no access to the church offices and all remaining rooms and spaces within the church are limited to essential use only
- All visitors must wear a mask and practice “Social Distancing” (2 metres) at all times while inside the facility
- All visitors must use hand sanitizer (provided) during entry and exit of the building
- Upon entry, Visitors must sign in on the provided “Visitors Contact List” indicating the Date and Time along with their Name and Contact Information
Church cleaning as follows:
- The church is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected twice a week using Federal government approved COVID-19 cleaning agents and the frequency may be increased as user activity within the church rises
- Special care is taken to disinfect high use and high touch areas during each cleaning
- Church staff disinfects all high touch surfaces before exiting the building at the end of each day (4 times a week)
If you require further information please feel free to call the church office.
Faith in a Time of Isolation – Oct 2, 2020
Our own Katharina Manassis speaks with Christopher White about these changing and challenging times. Dr Katharina Manassis helps us all to navigate the second stage of Covid19. The metaphor she uses is moving from an emergency into managing a chronic illness.
Here is an earlier interview with Katharina and Christopher from April: Dr Katharina Mannasis, a child psychiatrist and author, shares how to keep ourselves and relationships healthy through this time of isolation. She speaks about we support our children, teenagers, partners and ourselves in a very challenging time. We will get through this!
August 2020 Update
St. Mark’s Board has decided that we will not be resuming face to face services in September. Services will continue on Zoom for now, and the Board will re-evaluate this decision month by month.
The time, energy and risk in face to face services would be considerable for both staff and volunteers. The potential benefit is limited by the small numbers allowed with physical distancing (20 per service) and the many elements which are prohibited (no singing, responsive prayers, Sunday School, communion, coffee time, etc.
On the positive side, St. Mark’s is blessed with an abundance of energetic, creative people who have devised virtual, small group, and outdoor/drive-in activities which are feasible despite the current restrictions. Thus, with appropriate precautions, we can come together in new ways to celebrate our community and our faith. These will be communicated as plans firm up. It is clearly difficult that we cannot all meet together yet, this is a safe and encouraging start. Thank you again for your understanding, and for your continuing contributions to the life of our church!
June 2020 Update
