Current Status
All churches are open for regular Sunday services except on Christmas Day. Online services are held Sundays at 11:15 a.m. when the churches are open. For details, visit the Watch Online page.
Health Protection Protocols
When Haliburton Pastoral Charge churches are open, all church use is subject to the individual church’s COVID-19 protocols. These are based on the original reopening plans developed by the leadership boards of each church in accordance with local health unit guidelines. The protocols may be adjusted when the health unit adjusts its guidelines, subject to the decisions of the church leadership. As with the original plans, the current protocols are designed to protect the health and safety of all church users and must be followed closely.
Vulnerable individuals are advised to stay at home and watch Sunday services online. If this is not possible, please contact the Pastoral Charge office for another option. To watch online, visit the Watch Online page.
To learn about a church’s current guidelines contact the Pastoral Charge office at 705-457-1891. To read or download an example of the original health protection protocols, click HERE. To download an example of a reopening plan, click HERE.
COVID-19 Response Timeline
2023
Apr 2
Haliburton United Church moves from requiring that masks be worn to recommending that they be worn, by decision of the HUC Elders (Session)
2022
Apr 17
All churches are now open for regular Sunday services. Online services continue Sundays at 11:15 a.m. on YouTube
Mar 6
Lochlin and Haliburton churches reopen for regular Sunday services. Ingoldsby remains closed for now. Online services continue Sundays at 11:15 a.m. on YouTube
2021
Dec 30
All HPC churches are closed until further notice. The decision to close has been made by HPC Elders (Session) due to concern for the health of the church communities, given the rapid global spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Online services continue Sundays at 11:15 a.m. on YouTube
Oct 10
Ingoldsby United Church reopens for Sunday services under pandemic protocols. Online services continue
Sep 16
By decision of the Haliburton United Church Elders (Session), for the health and peace of mind of all who attend HUC services, two vaccinations are required against COVID-19. Those who have not yet received both vaccinations are encouraged to do so, and meanwhile they are invited to join in Sunday services online at 11:15 a.m.
Jul 25
Haliburton and Lochlin United Churches reopen for Sunday services under pandemic protocols. Ingoldsby United Church remains closed. Online services continue
Jan 12
HPC churches are closed in response to provincial COVID-19 pandemic management regulations. Online services continue
2020
Dec 26
Haliburton and Lochlin United Churches close in response to the provincial shutdown. Ingoldsby United Church remains closed. Online services return to their earlier schedule Learn more …
Oct 4
Haliburton and Lochlin United Churches reopen under strict health protection protocols. Ingoldsby United Church chooses to remain closed. Online services continue at a new time Learn more …
Jul 17
HPC churches respond to Stage 3 of the provincial reopening plan by choosing not to reopen before the fall, a decision strongly recommended by the United Church of Canada’s local regional council. This gives the leadership boards at the churches time to learn how best to address social distancing, effective sanitation and other needs, and prepare the reopening plans required by regional council
Apr 12
HPC churches celebrate Easter with online Communion service Learn more …
Mar 29
HPC continues to adapt online services Learn more …
Mar 22
HPC begins live streaming Sunday services Learn more …
Mar 20
HPC posts a recording of “Lost and Found” as a song of encouragement for the times Watch video …
Mar 16
All HPC churches close just ahead of the provincial government’s recommendation that public spaces do so to help flatten the COVID-19 pandemic curve Learn more …
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