New Vision COVID-19 Updates

Sept 23 2020

  1. Finding ourselves in the middle of September and looking to the times ahead, we are thinking now about how to accommodate ourselves to the new-normal post-the-pandemic-emergency. There are two themes that stand out for us. First, we need to make use of the stage three provisions on social gatherings to develop accessible options for those who are not able to join us on Zoom and yet could attend a hybrid worship service in person — provided carefully observed distancing and hygiene protocols are in place. Second, we need to exercise caution with respect to the possibility of a second wave of Covid-19 in the weeks and months ahead.
  2. We are going to maintain our virtual worship gathering on Sundays as they are indefinitely into the future. We will work in the weeks ahead on developing an accessibility option at 24 Main West in which those who cannot join our virtual worship gathering elsewhere can join the virtual gathering from 24 Main West. We will keep in place our phone network to share with such folks the distancing and hygiene protocols we will implement in a few weeks time.
  3. At no time will we encourage people to attend an in-person gathering without giving them the resources to self-screen and to be fully informed of the safety and health measures we have in place for in-person gatherings.

July 22 2020

  • Calling on people who sew: the Hamilton bylaw requiring the public to wear masks in interior public settings applies to the Resting and Hygiene Centre. Given the circumstances of many guests of the Centre, we cannot assume that they will be masked when they seek entrance. Our plan to ensure everyone who seeks to enter may enter is to have a reusable supply of cloth masks which we will launder and reuse. If you sew, we need your help! Please contact revian@newvisionunited.org if you want to help.

June 24 2020

  1. As Phase 2 in the Province’s recovery from the social and economic shut down takes hold in Hamilton New Vision is developing recovery plans.
  2. Our intention is to enter into long-term development as beloved community as early as is practical in the return period. This intention will inform our decisions and actions through the recovery period we are now entering.
  3. At this time New Vision’s priority is supporting the COVID-19 response uses of 24 Main W.: the Caremongering Supply Depot in the Lower Hall and the 7-days-a-week Resting and Hygiene Centre for People Sleeping Rough in the Music Hall upper and lower lobbies. There is no certainty yet regarding the length of time these responses will remain in place.
  4. The Music Hall auditorium (the former sanctuary) is not suitable for our use as we enter into recovery from the COVID-19 emergency because it both heats up and is very poorly ventilated.
  5. New Vision will thus be gathering for worship on Sundays on Zoom throughout the summer. We will keep in place our phone network to keep in touch with those who are not able to join us on the internet.
  6. We are working on a plan to develop a congregate setting for limited numbers somewhere in 24 Main St. W that follows COVID-19 guidelines for those unable to access our virtual worship at home. We will have more details on this plan in the next few weeks.
  7. Our Thursday Outreach Program remains on hold.

June 19 2020

To watch Webinar “Hamilton Mutual Aid” from June 18 2020 please follow this link to YouTube. The Webinar begins at 14 minutes in.

June 18 2020.

  1. New Vision is now beginning to look at our goals for our recovery as Phase 2 in the Province’s recovery from the social and economic shut down takes hold in Hamilton. One thing that we notice is that the recovery time could turn into an extended time of learning what can be done or not done to contend with the novel coronavirus. Only as the world comes to some new stability around it can we begin to think about a period of return and know what full activity might look like in a return.
  2. Our intention is to enter into long term development as beloved community as early as is practical in the return period. This intention will inform our decisions and actions through the recovery period we are now entering.
  3. Church Council has struck a team to lead us in this. Team New Vision is Helen, Dixon, George and Ian. Feel free to reach out to them or to Council Chair Bob Marentette with any concerns or comments or questions.
  4. They will be informing you of the steps we are being invited to take by means of the New Vision Notes, the New Vision website and our Virtual Worship Gatherings.

June 5 2020. On June 18 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, New Vision is invited to join the Disability Justice Network of Ontario, Keeping 6, HAMSMaRT (that’s Hamilton Social Medicine and Resource Team), Kyle’s Place, SWAP (the Sex Workers Action Program), and Strathcona Mutual Aid in conversation about what mutual aid means to us, and where we go next. COVID-19 has illuminated the many ways that racism, colonization, capitalism, ableism, and other forms of violence intersect to harm people and communities. However it has also opened a window to imagine and create communities where we collectively care for each other. DJNO, Keeping Six, and HAMSMaRT are excited to be co-hosting this event, in which they have asked local organizers to share what mutual aid means to them, what work they have been engaging in, and their hopes for the future of community care and mutual aid in a post-COVID world. To join, get your FREE ticket online: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hamilton-mutual-aid-webinar-tickets-107735166784?ref=estw

June 3 2020. The Pastoral Care Committee has prepared a COVID-19 spiritual care resource. Many thanks to Erin for giving shape to this.

June 3 2020. Case for Kids Fundraising takes a different COVID-19 shape. Follow this link to learn more.

May 31 2020. The Music Hall at New Vision launches a Virtual Concert Series. The first concert features DJ Shub of A Tribe called Red. It will be streamed live on June 18 at 8 pm