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H1N1 GUIDANCE FOR FAITH BASED COMMUNITIES
The Government of Saskatchewan has posted guidance for faith-based
communities regarding prevention and management of pandemic H1N1
influenza. The link below should bring you to the notice posted on the
Saskatchewan Ministry of Health website, www.health.gov.sk.ca.
At that site you can read additional notices for parents, workplaces and
schools, including residential schools. The notice suggests that the
guidance document should be read on conjunction with relevant Public
Health Agnecy of Canada and SK Health documents. Congregational leaders
are encouraged to read and make local decisions based on the most
up-to-date information.
http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=9b7ef66f-dad1-47aa-9ad0-9f886d02d1bf
Common sense will suggest that hand-washing should be practiced and
alcohol-based gels should be offered under supervision wherever people
gather, including at church. Those who are ill (including rostered
leaders!) should stay home. Consider adapting your usual greeting as you
"pass the peace" so that there is no hand-to-hand contact.
Congregations may consider offering empty individual glasses to be filled
by pouring chalice or a small pitcher of wine/juice instead of the common
cup or pre-filled glasses. Washing of cups and dishes, including glass
communion ware, should be done with a bleach solution. Check with a church
supply house or altar guild book about safe washing of pottery or metal
communion ware. Prayer ministry and phone contact may be more advisable
than visitation if flu becomes prevalent. Church closures shouldn't be
necessary unless your community develops an exceptionally high incidence
of H1N1 flu - please listen to directives from your local health district.
Being in mission for others means giving care, and taking care, so that
our worship, service and fellowship build up the body of Christ.
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 Uranium
Hearing Submission
On Monday evening June 15, 2009 I attended the Saskatoon consultation
on the Uranium Development Partnership report. I was happy to see that the
organizers of the consultation sessions reorganized the agenda for the
evening in response to feedback received in other communities, namely to
give opportunity for attendees to express views that are alternatives to
the report recommendations. The consultation chair and facilitators took
great care in ensuring that everyone who wanted to speak could do so
without interruption and with respect.
I was able to address the group during the second half of the
"open mike" time. I introduced my remarks saying that they were
made as a bishop but not speaking for my synod. I spoke as a person called
by the gospel to address issues in society in the framework of our
understanding of God and God's relationship to the world. I did not
presume to speak for the Saskatchewan Synod or for all its members. I
trust that those who have views to share with the Government will do so
through written or spoken submissions. I hope that you will consider the
recommendation of the UDP in light of our faith that God our creator
continues to care for this world and expects us to be God's agents for
peace, justice and the welfare of all of creation.
If you have questions or comments, please reply to my email address
provided below.
Grace and peace,
Bishop Cindy
Email: chalmarson@elcic.ca
SWINE FLU INFORMATION
On Wednesday, the World Health Organization raised its
global pandemic alert level to five — its second highest level — meaning
a pandemic is imminent and countries must finalize preparations to deal with
the outbreak of swine flu.
This is not a time to panic. However with the good sense and intelligence
that God has given us, we are wise to prepare for the possibility of a
significant disruption in the lives of our churches and communities. With
the aid of resources available from a variety of websites, this is a good
time to put plans in place that will help you address primary concerns
surrounding worship practices and put together a back-up leadership team
should primary leaders become incapacitated due to illness. Since
the church is a gathering place and seeks to be a community of comfort and
healing, it is important that congregations take deliberate steps
toward preparing for the possibility of an influenza pandemic. Here
are some sources to consider:
After the SARS outbreak, the Eastern Synod developed policies and guidelines
for synod office, congregations and conferences and encouraged congregations
to develop similar policies to guide community life during an outbreak or
pandemic. Saskatchewan Synod rostered ministers and congregational leaders
are encouraged to view the Eastern Synod policies and guidelines at www.easternsynod.org
ELCIC Group Services has posted information and links regarding swine
influenza, the impact of this outbreak and measures that can be taken to
prevent the spread of infection. To view the article and related links,
please go to www.elcicgsi.ca
Review information on reliable websites such as www.shepell.fgi
(ELCIC Employee Assistance Program), www.fightflu.ca
(Government of Canada), www.cdc.gov/swineflu
(Centres for Disease Control), and www.who.int/en
(World Health Organization).
As we experience this pending health emergency, pray regularly for health
care givers, medical researchers and officials so that calm and competency
may prevail. I pray that God will keep you, your family and loved ones, and
members of our congregations and communities in good health so that we can
be a blessing to others.
Many blessings to you as we continue to celebrate the 50 days of this
blessed Easter season!
Grace and peace,
Bishop Cindy
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July 31 - August 1, 2010
Zion Horse Butte, Kyle Parish 100th
Anniversary
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August 4 - 10, 2010
Diaconal Formation Event
Queen's House of Retreat, Saskatoon
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August 6 - 8, 2010
Diaconal Ministers' Gathering
Queen's House of Retreat, Saskatoon
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September 16 - 18, 2010
CTEL, Queen's House of Retreat, Saskatoon
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September 17 - 19, 2010
National ELW Board Meeting
Laureate's Landing, St. Norbert, Manitoba
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September 28 - 30, 2010
Study Conference, Manitou Springs Hotel,
Manitou Beach
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October 14 - 16, 2010
Synod Council, Queen's House of Retreat,
Saskatoon
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November 16 - 17, 2010
Dean's Meeting, St. Michael's Retreat,
Lumsden
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February 12, 2011
Saskatoon Conference Convention,
Location: TBA
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March 17 - 19, 2011
Synod Council, St. Michael's Retreat,
Lumsden
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February 19, 2011
Regina Conference Convention
Luther College High School & Christ Lutheran, Regina
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February 26, 2011
Weyburn Conference Convention
Trinity Lutheran Church, Estevan
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March 5, 2011
Swift Current Conference Convention
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Herbert
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March 17 - 20, 2011
National ELW Board Meeting
Laureate's Landing, St. Norbert, Manitoba
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March 26, 2011
Prince Albert Conference Convention
St John Lutheran Church, Shellbrook
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April 16, 2011
Yorkton Conference Convention
Location: TBA
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April 29 - May 1, 2011
ELW National Women's Convention, Fairmont Hotel, Winnipeg
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June 18 - 19, 2011
Trinity Lutheran Church, Saskatoon
100th Anniversary
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June 26, 2011
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Viscount, SK
100th Anniversary
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June 27, 2011
Our Savior, Ardath 100th Anniversary
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July 14 - 17, 2011
ELCIC National Convention
Saskatoon
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July 2 - 3, 2011
Trinity, Rosthern
100th Anniversary
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October 14 - 16, 2011
LCBI, Outlook 100th Anniversary
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