Reopening FAQs
We are so glad to announce that as of June 27, we are able to host a limited number of people in our sanctuary for worship! Below are answers to a number of questions we anticipate you may have. If read through these and still have questions, please feel free to contact Rev. Nick, nick@knoxtoronto.org.
When do we plan on re-opening?
We plan on officially resuming in-person worship on Sunday, June 27, 2021, hosting people for worship at 11am. We will be simultaneously live-streaming this service.
How can I attend in-person worship at Knox (630 Spadina Ave)?
To attend worship, please register online. The link will always be located at knoxtoronto.org through our home page. When you arrive at the church, our greeters will check you in through a contactless entry process. Combined with our leaders and volunteers, we will host no more than the occupancy maximum prescribed by the government, or less.
What will happen when I arrive?
All able-bodied people are asked to enter through the Spadina Front Entrance. The accessible Harbord Entrance will be for those for whom it is necessary.
Do a self-check for symptoms before you enter.
A greeter will ask your name to check-in.
During worship, service prompts, lyrics and responsive prayers will be projected on the front walls so we will limit papers exchanged. Print bulletins will be provided for those with visual impairment, not able to view the projection.
Physical distancing is required (2m apart from other households).
Masks are required, and we will be provided for those who forgot them.
Are children allowed to attend in-person services?
Yes! Children will need to sit with their family unit/household. Tables for families with small children will be arranged within the sanctuary with colouring items and a few quiet toys. Read more details about children and worship this summer [here].
Will everyone have to wear a mask?
Yes. Some individuals leading the service, such as the preacher, will be able to take their masks off while physically distanced from others on the stage. Congregants in attendance are asked to follow the public health guidelines by wearing masks and adhering to physical distancing. All present are asked to wear a 3-ply mask for the best protection. If you’re uncertain about the thickness of your mask, feel free to take one of the disposable masks provided at the church.
Will there be social time after the service?
Not for now. Outside of the church, we will have some areas marked out for folks to talk in small groups outside. Please be mindful that the current regulations stipulate that we may not host receptions greater than 10 people, even outdoors. We ask that folks remain masked during this time.
Some of our church family have been connecting in smaller groups online and in-person outdoors and we encourage you to do so as you are able. Villages will continue to connect online at least monthly. If you haven’t connected with your village elder, read more here.
What will happen if the public health situation changes?
If the public health situation changes, we are ready to change in order to take care of each other and our neighbours. We are monitoring the health situation and soliciting advice as we update our plans. Thankfully, our current set up with livestream capacity makes our situation flexible. Keep an eye out for emails, our website, instagram and facebook for any changes in the weeks and months ahead.
What do I do if registration is full?
If registration is full, please sign up for another week that you are able to attend. The general tone of our congregation is cautious, so we have yet to reach capacity for the in-person services we have offered. If you are having trouble registering for a service, please contact Wendy Roglaski for assistance, wendy@knoxtoronto.org or 416-921-8993 x 3239.
What happens if someone comes to church and later tests positive for COVID-19?
When people arrive at church on Sunday, they will sign-in to confirm their attendance. Our registration process collects attendees’ contact information. If we are informed that someone in a service you attended has tested positive, you will be contacted.
How do we pass the peace during the service?
People will be encouraged to pass the peace by turning in their pews, waving, offering peace-signs, and simply saying the words “the peace of Christ be with you.” People will remain in their assigned pews during this part of the service to ensure physical distancing.
What about singing?
While attending in-person worship, members of the congregation are discouraged from singing aloud due to the elevated risk of spreading airborne illness. However, given the risk mitigation provided by masks, singing softly or humming under your mask will be permitted. Please be aware that people seated around you may choose to sing softly.
Prayer after the service
At least one staff or elder will be available to pray with people after the service in a designated area at the back of the sanctuary. Physical distance will be maintained and we trust the location will ensure an element of privacy. We know the need for prayer is heightened now and has not always been easily met through calls and email. Returning to worship may bring up a number of feelings that are helpful to process with others, before our God, and we are grateful to journey with you. If you know in advance you would like to receive prayer, feel free to email Rev. Nick (nick@knoxtoronto.org), but as usual, you may express your interest after worship. We will need to limit our time inside in consideration of everyone’s safety. If it seems helpful to have a longer conversation, staff or leaders may ask to relocate outside or follow up by phone.
Communion
On Communion Sundays (1st Sunday of the month), there will be prepackaged communion elements available in the pews, and participants will be invited to receive the elements as the sacrament is celebrated together. Accordingly, it is permitted to remove your mask in order to consume the elements, but your mask must be replaced immediately after.
Any remaining questions you have, please feel free to contact Rev. Nick, nick@knoxtoronto.org.
