United against Racism! On Sunday, June 14 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time, The Black Clergy Network of The United Church of Canada invites you to a time of online worship, prayer, and reflection on issues of anti-Black racism across our country and in our church. In worship we will lament, we will hope, and we will be reminded of the need to act against racism. Find out more and spread the news: 
https://www.united-church.ca/…/united-against-racism-online…
#UCCan #UnitedvsRacism

Dear friends
 
Many of you have heard that our Ontario Government issued a statement that places of worship will be permitted to seat up to 30% of capacity starting June 12.  This part of the Stage 2 plan to re-open is not to be considered a green light in the wake of the ongoing pandemic.  Organizing safety procedures, honouring physical distancing, NOT singing, etc. will take time.  Protecting each other and being safe while daily we hear of new cases of Covid is vitally important.
 
Both Winchester and Hope Spring’s Councils have held Zoom meetings and the decision has been made to continue online worship.  Please note that the services are also available on USB sticks for those with flat screen televisions that can support this technology.
 
Further, our Region Council met today, June 11th, and made the following motion was carried:
 
“A formal EOORC Executive response to opening churches as a result of the recent announcement from the Ontario government will be coming out tomorrow. I've been asked to share this motion (see below) with you today. Please send questions or comments to Whit Strong (wstrong@united-church.ca)
 
2020-06-11_068 MOTION (L Stronski/L. Suddaby) that the Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council Executive;
a) strongly recommend that no churches reopen for public worship before Labour Day weekend;
b) expects that every Community of Faith prepare guidelines for reopening and submit their plan to the Regional Council (wstrong@united-church.ca), two weeks prior to their proposed opening date;
c) agrees to post and circulate the information and resources pertaining to safely reopening Communities of Faith;
d) strongly encourage Communities of faith to be in touch with their local health units;
e) expects that every Community of Faith create a separate plan with guidelines for reopening building to rentals and community activities or Community groups; and
f) Continue to provide information, as developments require.”
 
We will continue to update you in the weeks to come and hope to perhaps visit [honouring physical distancing] in the near future.
 
Stay well and know that you are not alone
 
Christine, on behalf of Winchester Pastoral Charge
 

A trans-Atlantic collaboration of this much beloved Welsh hymn, Calon Lân. 
It is sung in Welsh by Miranda, Glen, Geraint Jones, Rachelle Eves and Tony Glen. 

Here is the English translation:

A Pure Heart
I don't ask for a luxurious life
The world's gold or its fine pearls,
I ask for a happy heart,
An honest heart, a pure heart.

A pure heart full of goodness
Is fairer than the pretty lily,
None but a pure heart can sing,
​Sing in the day and sing in the night.