Highway has relaunched in-person services - you are invited to jon us.
We will be following all the guidelines from Toronto Public Health and the Ontario Government. We are doing this because we want to make the Highway building a "safer" place.
For those who do not feel comfortable coming into the building at this time, we will continue to provide an online service every Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
We are allowed to have a capacity of up to 30% of our seating. To be able to accomplish this, if you plan to attend you will have to register ahead of time to attend the service, each week. You can do this by clicking the "CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ONSITE SERVICE" area on our website.
As we relaunch in-person services, we want you to know that some things will be a little different. Our Sunday in-person experience has been carefully prepared for your safety as we come together in community to worship God.
Here are some things that may be a little different:
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FAQ #1: WHAT ARE THE SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE OPTIONS?
1. In-person On-Site Service at 10:30 am on Sunday's. (You need to register for the service according to COVID protocols).
2. Live Streamed Service – 10:30 am Sunday– through our website and on Facebook Live.
FAQ #2: DO I NEED T0 LET YOU KNOW THAT I AM COMING TO AN ON-SITE SERVICE?
1. You are required to register in advance to attend by visiting our website and clicking on the appropriate place. It is mandatory that you register everyone in your family who will attend with you. Click the “Add Attendee” button below the box where you put your name. (Registration will close at noon on Saturday, or when the seats are all reserved).
2. There is limited seating due to the 30 percent maximum occupancy rule. You may be required to sit in a pre-designated seat to allow physical-distancing to meet capacity thresholds.
3. If you cannot register via technology, you MUST call the church office (416-267-1189) and leave a message giving your name clearly (first and last), and the names of those attending from your household.
4. Registrations will automatically stop when the seating capacity is full, and is on a first-come first-served basis. Please do not register if you do not plan to attend as you will reserve a seat that will not be used.
FAQ #3: WHO WE RECOMMEND SHOULD NOT YET ATTEND THE LIVE IN-PERSON SERVICE, RATHER SHOULD CONTINUE WITH THE ON-LINE SERVICE OPTION?
1. The vulnerable (i.e. anyone with a compromised immune system, the elderly, etc.).
2. Anyone with COVID-19 or COVID -19 symptoms.
3. Anyone who has been exposed to someone that has COVID-19 or is being tested for COVID-19.
4. Anyone with a temperature, cough or flu symptoms within the last 72 hours.
5. Anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable to be on site yet.
6. If you have been out of the country, or been exposed to anyone who was outside the country in the last 14 days.
FAQ #4: WILL I BE EXPECTED TO WEAR A MASK IF I ATTEND AN ON-SITE SERVICE?
1. Everyone must wear a mask while in the building, required by the City of Toronto (platform area is the exception).
2. If you don’t own a mask or forget yours, there will be a limited supply of complimentary masks made available while supplies last.
3. Additionally, if you do choose to come with your young children, please be reminded that the Ministry of Health guidelines do not recommend mask wearing for young infants under 2 years of age.
FAQ #5: WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT ENTERING THE BUILDING AND AUDITORIUM?
1. Doors to the auditorium will be opened 20 minutes prior to the beginning of each service
2. There will be “physically distanced” line ups (as needed) when you enter the building.
3. You will be required to give your name and be screened as you enter the building. Please do not be offended if someone asks for your name, our volunteers may not know everyone’s name.
4. Doors to the auditorium will be propped open as you arrive.
5. Please use the hand sanitizing station when entering and exiting the building.
6. The foyer will be used as a hallway for access to get from outside to the auditorium and is not a gathering spot to socialize as we are used to. There will be no chairs or coat racks available in the lobby.
7. You will be directed to the next available seat by an usher. Please understand you will not be able to choose your seat to accomplish physically distance measures. There will be four (4) empty seats left between each family (or bubble) and the others in their row.
8. All families living under the same roof are required to sit together.
FAQ #6: WHAT IS THE SEATING ARRANGEMENT IN THE AUDITORIUM?
1. We will be using every other row to abide by the physical distancing guidelines.
2. All households need to allow four empty seats between them and other people in their row.
FAQ #7: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SANITIZING PRECAUTIONS HIGHWAY IS TAKING?
1. There will be hand sanitizing stations provided.
2. All surfaces will be properly sanitized and wiped down before each service.
FAQ #8: WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT WILL NOT BE HAPPENING?
1. Physical contact, such as handshakes, hugs, fist-pumps etc. are prohibited as they breach the social-distancing rules.
2. A printed bulletin will not be provided. Everyone is encouraged to download the “You Version Bible App” and our notes are in “Events” each Sunday. The notes also contain upcoming events at the bottom.
3. There will not be the passing of an offering plate.
4. All children’s ministry rooms will be closed.
5. There will be no seating available in the lobby.
6. There will be no live singing (worship). Worship be be on the screen and we will lift our hearts and hands together as we worship.
FAQ #9: WHAT AREAS OF THE BUILDING WILL BE OPEN?
1. The Lobby (including the lobby washroom).
2. The Auditorium (including the balcony).
FAQ #10: WILL THERE BE ANY ON-SITE MINISTRIES PROVIDED FOR OUR CHILDREN?
1. Due to the current health and safety restrictions we cannot provide “in person” children’s ministries during the service.
2. All children’s ministry rooms will be closed (nursery, pre-school, etc).
FAQ #11: WHAT ARE THE GIVING OPTIONS?
1. Please continue to make use of our online digital giving options by visiting HERE, by using the Tithe.ly App or e-Transfer giving (give@HighwayGospel.ca).
2. An offering plate will not be passed during the service. However, it will be available for those unable to give online and will be located at the back of the auditorium (as you exit). Envelopes and pens will NOT be made available in the seats, please bring your own. PLEASE NOTE: the envelopes and cash will remain untouched for a 72-hour time period imposed due to COVID-19.
FAQ #12: WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IN THE WORSHIP SERVICE?
1. It will last approximately 55 minutes.
2. There will be NO live worship (singing), according to Public Health regulations. Worship will be on the screen and we will lift our hearts and hands together as we worship.
3. There will be a live welcome, prayer and sermon.
4. Communion, baby dedications, water baptism and time at the altar are on hold.
FAQ #13: WILL THE WASHROOMS BE OPEN?
1. Foyer washroom will be available with accompanying changing table located within it.
2. Washrooms will be properly sanitized before each service.
3. There will be established “physical distancing” lineups to enter the washrooms.
FAQ #14: HOW DO I EXIT THE BUILDING?
1. At the end of the service you will be dismissed by row.
2. You must immediately exit the building and make your way home (please, do not gather to socialize).
Thank you:
We appreciate your cooperation and adherence to the above guidelines. However, please note that these guidelines are subject to change at any point. Look for any changes or updates on our website (www.HighwayGospel.ca). There you will stay up to date.
Remember to register for Sunday service (in-person) by clicking on the "REGISTER HERE FOR ONSITE SERVICE" button the main page of our website.