August 2020 Revisited

 

Here we are in August of 2025 and as I look back on the writings to the parish in 2020, necessitated because of Covid I realized that there was a lot going on, commented on and just how much I have forgotten about that time.  So my revisiting, compiling and sharing all of those writings in my blog is serving a wonderful purpose and reminder of just how resilient we are and how we navigated so many challenges.  Here are the reflections for August 2020 for your reading enjoyment

As we rolled on into the summer days and the incredibly dry weather that we were having there was finally some welcome relief with rain.  It just so happened to take place on a Sunday when we were scheduled to have an outdoor service and you guessed it we had to cancel and pivot – fortunately we were really good at pivoting!

These early months of the mailing were rather plain, and no graphics or pictures, it was merely a tool to use to share information quickly.  You will notice as we move through the years that colour got added, positive thoughts were included as well as cartoons and/jokes that people sent in as they too got into the swing of things and I will certainly include some of these for your enjoyment as well.  At this time we still had a quarterly News letter that was was being sent out as well as a weekly News to Know so all of the other pieces we of slightly less use in this medium (or so I thought at the time).

August 9 2020

Hello everyone
I suppose it was inevitable; we have to cancel because of the rain.  I watched the app all week and even at 630 am it looked like it would hold off until noon but luck was not on our side and it has begun to sprinkle a bit and by 9 am it's supposed to be going fairly well.  

We can't even lament because we are so in need of a good rain.  So check the blog, the service will be uploaded momentarily and I know I wrote a blog on todays gospel a few years ago but I can't remember which one it was!!!!

Have a wonderful rainy day, take a walk and hum a tune...rain drops keep falling on my head

A   Survey you say

Hello everyone

We are endeavouring to get everything in place so that we can re-open the building for services by mid-September.  Protocols are being finalized for approval by the diocesan leadership but we also want to hear from you!

So we have a small survey for you to complete, just three questions so it really is short and not too time consuming.  It is also anonymous so you can feel free to voice what you really think (please be kind ; ) )

My trusty techy volunteers got a survey up and a link to click for people to share their thoughts which I didn't think was necessary to include here as it has long been taken down!

Enjoy the glorious day and watch on Saturday for the link to the service for this week.

 August 15, 2020

I would remind you as well to not forget the survey that we sent out to you earlier this week.  We want you to have input as we make plans for inside services in September.  Do you think we need to take out the pews and put in comfy recliners for you??? Here's your opportunity to tell us!!  Pyjama and slipper Sunday with fresh brewed coffee handed over as you are seated? The possibilities are limitless, maybe not reality but if you never tell us then how will we know?  Seriously though we do want your input so if you have not taken the time yet please do so.

A number of years ago Edmund (my DH, dear/darling husband for those who wonder what it means when they read my blog posts) and I were fortunate enough to go to Tobago.  We arrived Easter Monday just in time for the goat and crab races (this is not mistake or a typo).  It was a really fun way to begin a holiday.  We were told that there were a number of things that we must try while on the island.  Bakin' Shark, Tobago KFC, Roti's, walking on water and Sunday School.  (Yes, it all got covered)

Fortunately we were there for a Sunday, the first Sunday after Easter.  We headed out for the service of Eucharist at 7 a.m.. And that night we finished with Sunday School.  It in no way resembled what you conjured up when I said we went to Sunday School.  Although we should try it as I know we would likely be filled to capacity!
The steel drums were phenomenal.
There was food galore.
The bar was open. (I'd highly recommend the Shandi)

So on August 23 we will have our outdoor service with Eucharist and the steel drummers will be bringing the music.  Unfortunately, I can't offer the food choices OR the open bar but it will be a thoroughly enjoyable time as we gather and worship together.  So, pre-register as usual with M.O., masks are recommended but not mandatory, eucharist is in one kind and if you are feeling under the weather or symptomatic please refrain from attending.  And if you are not ready or able to join us we will try to livestream via the St. Paul's Facebook page (or mine, whichever works) so that you are able to join us from the comfort of home.

Have a wonderful Saturday and weekend.  We've had some rain, the sun is shining and the temperature is cooler and lovely so what more can we ask for... well I'd like a maid to do my house cleaning, but I can't have it all!!

August 22

Hello everyone

Happy Saturday evening.  After some much needed rain it has turned into a beautiful day and it's just lovely for walking.  

Tomorrow the service will be outside, the steel drums will be the musical accompaniment and I am sure that will make us wildly popular with the neighbours if they haven't yet started their day!  If you haven't registered you still have a short time in which to do so.

We plan to have the service live via Facebook.  If we can get it to work it will be through the St. Paul's page, if not it will be on mine.

For those attending don't forget back to school items for the children, if you are not able to attend the items can be dropped off to the office 11:30-2:30 on Wednesday of this week.

If you have not already completed the survey you can still respond

As per usual for tomorrow:

masks are not mandatory but recommended
if you are symptomatic please refrain from attending
you need to provide your own seat
hand sanitizer will be available
Service starts at 10 am on the church lawn by the office
And most likely I have forgotten something but I'll hope for the best

The weather, ah yes the frog says it will be a lovely day, maybe a bit cloudy and hot.  But who's complaining after all we know what January will be offering!!

For those attending tomorrow I look forward to seeing you, for those not ready to get out of the pyjamas and slippers yet find us online and join us for the service.  

Have an enjoyable evening and remainder of the weekend
And I knew it, I nearly hit send and I realized I forgot, the service is published on the blog to follow along at home.  Address you ask, kjlaldin.blogspot.com

August 30 2020

Hello everyone and farewell to the month of August

Can you believe it is the end of the month and we are about to start the BER months.  Time is slipping by and there is lots of news but I'll keep you on tender hooks for most of it as our trusty editor of the Up To Date, T R, has an edition ready for next week.

This will, hopefully, be our final pre-recorded service
Next Sunday will, hopefully, be our final outside service for this year so please pre-register with the incumbent's warden and I would suggest that you not leave it too last minute last time we had 40 in attendance and we can only accommodate 50.

Now don't panic that we won't have something for you beyond the next two weeks.  On September 13 we are doing an inside service, YES with members present.  Details and complete protocol will be sent to you during the coming week.  Make sure you read it and I can not stress often enough Masks inside will be mandatory.  But those are not details for today.  And for those not yet ready to join us in person, we have you covered too and will send you the link to a live feed so you can join us from the comfort of home.

Today is all about our recorded service and where you can find it
YouTube   https://youtu.be/nsEEDJbNYac

THE Blog kjlaldin.blogspot.com (to follow along with the words etc.)
as well as a link on Facebook and the website.  I think we've covered it all!

Have a great rest of the weekend

August 31

Hello everyone
As promised I am sending you all the protocol that we MUST follow for worship inside the building. The protocol is detailed so please read all of it and I am hoping the attachment above works, monkey mail made it a bit of a process but hey I figured I needed to learn at least one new thing today.

Have a wonderful day it is a bit cooler and fabulous for walking, 10,000 steps here I come!

The detailed protocol was sent out for people to read we definitely reached capacity and had a few bumps and disagreements along the way.  It was a stressful time for the leaders to navigate as everyone tried to keep safety as the  first priority.