MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR
Dear Marshall Family,
 
I am pleased to announce the formation of a Re-opening Committee to begin the process of gradually and methodically opening up our building again. We held our first meeting on Monday, June 15th and have our second meeting scheduled for Monday, June 22nd via Zoom. I want to assure you that we take this task very seriously and plan to put every prescribed protocol in place to ensure the safety of our staff, renters and members while carefully adhering to the recommendations of the United Church of Canada, Public Health and the Provincial and Municipal guidelines. This process will take place in three stages.
 
We are planning to allow our staff to return to work at the church as of a Monday, June 22nd. if they choose to do so. Some staff will continue to work from home.
 
If you are planning to visit the church we request that you call ahead to notify the staff of your intent because we are only allowed to have a maxim of ten people in the building at one time. You will be required to adhere  to the following guidelines: enter the building via the Fiddlers Green parking lot, wear a mask, use the hand sanitizer which is available at the door, sign our guest book and follow the designated traffic flow direction arrows.
 
Our next stage will involve allowing our renters to return. They will be required to use the Fellowship Hall where they will have access to washrooms, be able to practise social distancing, use one door to enter and exit and be obliged to follow a list of  recommended safety protocols. We are still in the early phase of investigating this next step.
 
Our third and final stage and the one which requires the more detailed plan regarding safety measures and restrictions will involve the return to worship in the sanctuary. Because there is still the very real possibility of community spread and because some of our members are older and more vulnerable we  believe that the best and safest approach for now is to continue with our online worship service for the summer months and revisit the possibility of returning to Marshall in the fall.
 
I would like to thank Rev. Etienne, Barbara Carey, Linda Craig, Suzanne Gunby, Kerry Radigan, Leslie Johnston and Frank Pierce for agreeing to join this committee whose mandate is to plan, prepare and monitor our gradual and safe return to work and the life of our church community.
 
Sincerely,
Jan Thompson

OUR SERVICES
For the time being, we will be continuing to worship via Livestream at 9am Sunday morning. Rev. LeSage will be discussing Matthew 9:35-10:8.
 
Children's Sunday School will happen via ZOOM: 10AM for Little Zoomies (ages 4-7) and 10:35 AM for Big Zoomers (ages 8+). Just text your e-mail and time preference to Heather at 905-978-7610. 

This Friday at 11am Cable 14 will be playing our service from the previous Sunday.  

You can also watch our services from YouTube.  You can click "Subscribe" once (free of charge) so the site is added to your YouTube for easy retrieval.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

 

PLEASE SIGN IN
Although the church is officially closed, there are various situations where people are permitted to enter the building to access records, record worship, check the facilities, etc.  No matter what door you enter from, everyone is required to sign-in on the sheet provided at the Gilbert St Parking Lot Door.  This ensures that we know who has been in the building and will assist with Covid-19 tracking if there is any need for followup.  Please follow this procedure for the safety of others.  Thank you.

REV. LESAGE'S CONTACT INFORMATION
Rev.  É tienne will be working from home due to Covid-19 restrictions.  However you may contact him by calling at 905-741-7977 or by email at  revetienne@gmail.com .

HOW WE'RE STAYING CONNECTED:
Phone-In Ministry with Rev. Étienne LeSage (905-741-7977)  and our Christian Development leader Judy VanDuzer (905-719-8170) Monday to Thursday 9 am until 12  for conversation, prayer and a Psalm reading! 

The Pastoral Care Team is trying to stay connected with everyone.  If you'd like a call or would like to help please contact Patty Cheshire at 905-389-6373. 

Our Prayer Partners are praying for our Marshall family and friends during this stressful and frightening time.  Please call Patty Cheshire at 905-389-6373 with any prayer requests you may have.

Henrietta will be back in the office starting June 22, 2020.  She will be working Monday-Thursday 8:30-12:30 till September.   All Announcements for the Newsletter need to be in to the office for Wednesday at 10am.

REGULAR OFFERINGS
Thank you to members who have maintained their givings through PAD, e-transfer, Canada Helps or mailed-in cheques. If you are wondering how to maintain your offerings when we are not in our Sanctuary:
  • Mail cheques to Marshall Memorial United Church, 20 Gilbert St, Ancaster L9G 1R4 (mail is being picked up every day).
  • eTransfer using marshallmemorial@gmail.com as the recipient address. This function is available from most online banking sites
  • Donate button at www.mmuc.org/give or go directly to the Canada Helps site with the link https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/19884.
  • Sign up for PAD to make a regular contribution through your bank account. Contact Henrietta at marshallmemorial@gmail.com or by phone at 905-648-4631 to start PAD or to make changes to your current PAD offerings.
CHRISTIAN DEVELOPMENT
Small Groups:  Zoom groups are continuing to meet, everyone is welcome to join in!  

Tuesday mornings at 10:30 -   Prayer group with Patty Cheshire. Please contact Patty at  cheshire.patty@gmail.com  or 905-389-7363 if you wish to be involved with our Prayer ministry.  

Read & Reflect Daily Scripture Readings:    Attached is the calendar of daily scripture readings for June, based on the Common Lectionary. Regular reflection on scripture is the number one catalyst for spiritual growth, and following along with this calendar will give you a framework to guide your devotional reading.
 
Even better is to read the Bible in community! You can join our private Facebook group - Members and Friends of Marshall Memorial - for posts related to the readings. If you are not a member, please contact Richard Hamilton on Facebook for an invitation.
   
30 Day Prayer Challenge:   Another extremely important spiritual practice is prayer - setting aside some time every day to speak and listen to God. For the month of June we are encouraging you to join us in a 30 day Prayer Challenge, focusing on gratitude. Praising God with joy and thanksgiving is something all believers are called to do, and this pdf will help you focus and structure your prayers.

CLOTH FACE MASKS
We are very grateful to Diane Paton who has made and donated a number of cloth face masks to be given to people at Marshall Church.  If you would like to have one, please  email or phone the church office (also provide your mailing address) and a free mask will be mailed to you.  Thank you Diane for your work and generosity, as you help us protect ourselves and others.

UCC - E-SSENTIALS
Please follow this link for the latest from the United Church of Canada.