1. Participate in a study on the effects of social distancing. A researcher at the University of Toronto is running a study on the effects of COVID and social distancing on people to try and find ways to develop strategies to help, especially if this is just one wave of many. Please consider taking or sharing her survey so that more voices are being heard. (Ethics approved)
2. Resting and Hygiene Centre at New Vision. Westdale and New Vision United Churches were approached several weeks ago with a request, supported by the City of Hamilton, that we launch a Covid-19 Resting and Hygiene Centre for Homeless People and People Living Rough.Dr. Jill Wiwcharuk, who made the request, is part of Keeping Six, a Hamilton Covid-19 emergency network of homeless people and their allies.

   The shutting of non-essential businesses has led to hygiene difficulties for many already, but the absence of places to sit down throughout the day also increases the level of stress of already at-risk and marginalized people. Dr. Wiwcharuk observed to us that as the weather improves more and more people without homes are choosing to live rough rather than risk infection in one of the City’s homeless shelters.

   We opened the Centre a week ago today, Wednesday April 29 from 5-9 pm, seven days a week. It is situated in the lower and upper lobbies of the Music Hall, New Vision’s now repurposed former sanctuary. It is a centre for well people. At any one time the Centre has up to eight homeless people or people living rough visiting it. Stays are limited to an hour, longer if there is no line-up. Beverages and packaged snacks as well as personal hygiene items are available to guests — chatting as well!

   It is staffed daily by at least 4 volunteers, supported by New Vision building services staff. Volunteers are trained by Dr. Wiwcharuk in social distancing protocols, the proper wearing of personal protective equipment, and the screening of guests for Covid-19 symptoms at the door. Thanks to Steve and Luke for doing evening shifts seven days a week, and Helen and the rest for your seasoned advice to the volunteers.

3. Care Mongering Hamilton. The Care Mongerers have given us a new language for sharing and for asking someone to share something with them. #iso on their Facebook page stands for “in search of.” Here is a Mother’s Day example: “#ISO I’m looking for any garden center or floral shop that would be interested in donating individual flowers to our residents at the LTC home I work at for mother’s day! Please PM me directly and I can give you more information.”
4. Join New Vision Virtual Worship Gatherings on Sunday at 10:30 am. We meet in virtual space in real time.  You can also phone in at 1 647 374 4685 and type in 782-292-511 when prompted. This is a Toronto phone number, so long distance charges might apply depending on your phone plan.
5. Virtual meetings this week. The Affirming Spirituality Group meets for a Zoom check-in on Saturdays at 1 pm. Contact Robin at boiler74@hotmail.com for the link to join. The Covid-19 Virtual Lectio Divina Group meets on Wednesdays at 4 pm through May. Contact me at revian@newvisionunited.org for the link to join.

Hope to see you Sunday ~

Rev Ian