February 17, 2022
Dear Westheights Community Church Family,
At the beginning of the new year, the Board responded to the Omicron variant and to increased concern for our healthcare system by deciding to move our ministries online for the months of January and February. At that time, it was communicated that we would be revisiting this decision with the hope we would resume in-person ministry soon. This week the Westheights Board met and the decision was made that we will resume in-person ministries as follows:
- Sunday Services – March 6
- Student Ministries – March 10
- Children’s Ministries – March 13
If you have been following the news, you will be aware that this timing happens to coincide with the plans that the Province of Ontario has to “re-open,” which is scheduled to begin March 1. These plans include, among other things, the elimination of capacity limits and physical distancing requirements, while the mask mandate will continue. Since this news is relatively new, we are expecting that we will receive some additional clarity as March 1 approaches.
As we anticipate gathering in person, this news means that our in-person ministries will operate under some different procedures than they did in the fall. While we will continue to ask attendees to wear masks, we are no longer subject to capacity limits or physical distancing requirements, which means Westheights@82 attendees will not have to pre-register nor be assigned to specific seats (i.e. you can sit wherever you want!). For our Westheights Kids, we will continue to require pre-registration for Sunday Children’s Ministry, as our capacity is dependent on volunteer availability. We will continue to livestream our Sunday service on YouTube for those who wish to continue participating at home.
Folks, we recognize that for some of us, these next steps are great news, while for others of us these steps may generate feelings of apprehension. As a leadership team, we understand both responses. We see this season of transition as another opportunity to practice grace and understanding towards one another.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jeff Willmer – Board Chair or Josh Mutter – Lead Pastor.
Thank you for your support and continued engagement. This church is a joy to serve.
On behalf of the Board,
Josh Mutter – Lead Pastor