june 10, 2020 // COVID-19 Update: reopening saalem Church
Saalem Family,
We are excited to resume Sunday services onsite June 21. Our services have been redesigned to create a safe environment that allows for physical distancing. We're committed to creating an environment that meets government recommendations for safety and ask you to stay mindful of the following practices:
Please be sure to use the hand sanitizer available in the foyer as you enter the building or wash your hands with soap and warm water in the washrooms.
If you have health concerns or show any symptoms of COVID-19, please stay at home and join our Online service.
Maintain a distance of two meters (six feet) between yourself and others while inside the church building or anywhere outside on the church property.
Offering buckets will not be passed around during the church services. Instead, there will be an area in the back of the auditorium for you to give, or use the Saalem on-line giving options.
We look forward to seeing you and worshiping with you again in PERSON very soon!
Blessings,
Saalem Leadership Team
June 14, 2020 // reopening stages of saalem camp
After studying the new Stage 2 guidelines for opening Saalem Camp as of June 12, 2020 the following may take place on camp property with the following guidelines:
Gatherings of up to 10 people outside
Swimming is permitted
Maintaining social distancing of two meters (except those who reside in the same household)
Saunas and all the church camp affiliated buildings must remain closed as per guidelines.
Outhouses may be used however your own cleaning is required after you're “done.” You can do so by bringing your own Lysol wipes for the seat and door handles. (It is NOT the caretakers responsibility to clean the outhouses after each patron)
We know that the saunas are something we are desperately hoping to open and use soon but that still has to wait for possibly Stage 3. As per Guidelines of stage 2 copied from Ontario Government website: “Locker rooms, change rooms, showers and clubhouses will remain closed, except to the extent they provide access to a washroom or a portion of the facility that is used to provide first aid.”
Please adhere to these newest changes and we will update you on any new developments.
Blessings,
Saalem Camp Board
** Please note that this letter was approved on June 14 by the Elders and Board of Saalem Church and then needed to be rolled out to the appropriate leaders and the renters of camp property prior to the public.
PAST UPDATES
May 16, 2020 // COVID-19 saalem camp update
In compliance with the government reassessing and opening up the province of Ontario, we too have taken a detailed look at what we can open and not open in terms of recreational use of camp property for members.
As of May 16, 12:01am the “MAIN” grounds of the camp will be opened for members for recreational use. Only self-guided activities such as walking, hiking, biking, paddling and fishing will be permitted within camp property for day use. However, members must practise proper social distancing and limit to the max persons (5). Anyone coming into Northwestern Ontario from outside the Thunder Bay District must still follow 14 day isolation prior to going to the facility.
At this time, camping and other activities are not permitted. All buildings and facilities including water taps, saunas, roofed accommodations, washrooms, and beach front continue to be closed.
All the buildings must remain closed as there is a huge disinfectant protocol required for any use. An 80 point disinfectant process would be required between each use, using proper personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning protocol and inspection process.
As guidelines are changing on the daily we are asking for everyone to be patient as we're are doing our best to remain informed and to protect each other by following the Ontario Guidelines during this time.
Blessings,
Saalem Camp Board
april 18, 2020 // covid-19 saalem camp closure
Saalem Church Family,
As you know, we are in a situation that none of us has seen before, and as new information becomes available regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the circumstances evolve day by day. Due to mandatory guidelines and enforcement, effective immediately, the Saalem Camp facility at Warnica Lake is officially closed until further notice.
We need to comply with the recommendations set out by the Government of Ontario, and Health Canada to do our part to flatten the curve. This is based on physical distancing and the use of a shared facility. Even though we can disinfect the areas we use, the public portion of the Camp is not considered an essential service.
If we do not follow these guidelines, we open ourselves up for possible fines to the users and then the additional liability will fall on Saalem Church. We are following the precedent set by the Government of Ontario closely and will update you on any new changes.
We continue to thank and praise God for health amid this situation, as we continue to uplift all those who may be suffering or vulnerable. Thank you for your Cooperation.
Sincerely,
Saalem Camp Board
march 19, 2020 // covid-19 saalem Church RESPONSE
Hi Everyone,
Saalem church will be having Sunday services only online due to public health concerns and in response to the Ontario declaration of emergency related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Saalem Church, Pastors, Elders, and Trustees are doing their part in helping contain the spread of the virus by complying with recommendations and directives set out by the Government of Ontario and Health Canada. This means that all planned on-site events will be canceled as we continue to monitor guidance related to COVID-19. We love our neighbours by protecting them. We are not being fearful during this time; we are being responsible.
We are very excited to be meeting together online and are grateful to have a strong creative team that works tirelessly to bring you online services every week. Live-streaming will take place Sunday at 10.30 AM - English and 2.00 PM - Finnish via our YouTube Channel.
Sunday services can also be viewed later on:
Saalem Church's YouTube Channel.
Tbaytel's TV OnDemand Library.
Shaw TV Channel 10 on Sundays at 9.00 AM & 6.00 PM in Thunder Bay, Atikokan, Fort Frances, Nipigon, and Terrace Bay.
A church isn’t a building; it’s the people. Although we are not meeting in a building, we can look for ways to be the church in our community, showing and sharing the heart of Jesus with others in this time and need for good news. Instead of fear, we can offer hope, encouragement, and faith.
We will be monitoring the situation week-by-week and will do our best to keep you informed and connected. Our office will remain open on Tuesdays for the time being. You can call the office at (807) 767-6938 or reach out via email at office@saalem.com.
During this time, we also ask that you not only prioritize your health but also protect the health of others. Here are basic recommendations from the Ministry of Health:
Wash your hands thoroughly.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Refrain from shaking hands.
Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.
Blessings,
Saalem Leadership Team