Trip Cancelation

Due to the ongoing global pandemic and closure of the Canadian border, with regret and disappointment we must cancel the Canoe Trip for 2021.​

​Dear Voyageurs,

As you are certainly aware, the COVID-19 global pandemic has interfered with everyone’s lives in a myriad of ways. The impact has been felt far and wide, across all the wonderful expanse of everyday life: postponed weddings, missed birthday parties, funerals that people couldn’t attend, graduation parties over Zoom, no more trips to a favorite restaurant or coffee shop. We’ve had to do without a lot of the experiences that bring us joy and comfort. As President Biden told the nation on the eve of his inauguration, “Though we may be physically separated, we, the American people, are united in spirit.”

One of the unifying spirits that infuses South Church is the annual Outdoor Ministry Council Canoe Trip. Last summer, during the height of the pandemic, it was not possible to have the Canoe Trip, and the loss was felt by many.

So, it is with a heavy heart that we announce that there will not be a Canoe Trip this year, either.  Please know, this decision was not made lightly.  As more people receive vaccinations and as the medical community learns more about this deadly virus, the hope for normality has been growing in everyone’s hearts and minds. Unfortunately, there are still some events that cannot resume yet, safely, and the Canoe Trip is one of them. Another deciding factor is far beyond our control — the US/Canadian border has been closed to all non-essential travel (which we are sure you will all agree, the CT IS essential :), and that appears to be the situation for the foreseeable future.

Despite all the loss and sadness, the confusion and uncertainty, we can draw comfort from all we still have. We are all blessed with our extended South Church community; we are blessed with our health, our families, and our faith; we are blessed to be part of something as magical as the Canoe Trip. And soon enough, we will be blessed once again, when we reunite in Fellowship and Faith, and venture forth as Voyageurs.

​Outdoor Ministries Council:
Bruce Rice, Linda Rice, David Irwin, Paulette Rowell, Gene Corliss, Kevin Corliss