One of my friends recently asked what returning to church was like. We both agreed it would be a good blog post, a kind of record and a snap shot of life in these COVID times.
Back in March the Government announced that large gatherings were prohibited, so this included churches and other places of worship. Churches quickly adapted and moved online which no doubt has had both challenges and amazing opportunities.
Our church, used YouTube and password protected it, so only church members could view it. I didn’t understand, nor did I agree. The explanation was the preaching should not be inhibited in anyway and, in any event, the sermons were intended for the local community. Quickly this was changed and everyone was warmly welcomed via YouTube, regardless of where they came from.
The techie skills quickly improved and it became quite slick. For those who weren’t online, or simply didn’t know how to handle YouTube, some of the youngsters were apparently assigned to the task of solving this, so everyone could view the service regardless of their internet savviness.
The services themselves were modelled in a way that imitated the real thing as closely as possible. A friendly welcome, some songs and hymns, a Bible reading, some prayers and a lengthy sermon.
I took the opportunity to drop in on some other churches who are also local and I thought these were much better, especially for those who might be dropping in, as I had done. They were very contemporary, pitched at today’s society and what God might be getting us to learn through these strange times. Sermons were concise and easily understood.
One of these services was presented in a breakfast TV style with the Pastor and his wife on a sofa, with both leading the service which had lots of different videos, music and people contributing. They also referred to what people were saying – live – on Facebook. This included prayer requests and general greetings. How refreshing!
Back to our church. Efforts have been made to keep people connected through a variety of means. These tend to be leadership-managed midweek meetings and behind the scenes we hear the pastoral support team have been caring for needy folk.
Our Pastor has been keen to encourage people in returning to church services in person. Emails have been sent to everyone outlining how the rules are being applied and the hastily formed Risk Assessment Team were overseeing this. I did wonder if he was being too hasty, especially as he got caught up in a quarantine after a little holiday in Spain.
Last Sunday we watched the live service online. Many chairs have been removed and people are sitting spaced well apart, with everyone wearing a face mask. The congregation was tiny compared to the usual number. There was a small band who were sufficiently far apart to not need masks. Besides, singing would be tricky, although the congregation aren’t allowed to sing.
I am unsure if, given the strange circumstances, whether the approach is right. Efforts are being made to preserve the traditional flow of the services but it seems disjointed and awkward. I can’t help but wonder if there is a better way?
Where two or three are gathered
Jesus tells us in Matthew chapter 18, verse 20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them”.
This was relevant to me in our new home in the village of Toddington. We went to the Anglican church service one Sunday morning; it was being held on the grass outside the church building.
About a dozen chairs had been placed in a large circle. Our contact details were taken as we were welcomed. It was a spoken service, no singing. The sermon was like a ‘thought for the day’ and very Anglican, which is fine but it takes some getting used to.
The main thing is the sense of unity, a common faith and understanding. A common destination. It goes further; as Christians we believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We think of Jesus as being there amongst us, just as we are told in Matthew. As we meet in his name, we know his presence and this focusses our minds.
So even in these strange times, we know God is with us and he remains faithful. It doesn’t matter whether we meet in traditional church buildings as they are just that – buildings made of bricks, stone and mortar. We can meet God anywhere and we can do this on our own or with others, providing we are sincere. God isn’t confined to buildings, no matter how plain, simple or elaborate, ancient or modern.
While our Pastor is rather enthusiastic about being with each other in the same place, even though we can’t linger and talk to each other, he does have a good point. We are not made as solitary beings; we are in a relationship with each other and this carries a commitment. Even in these strange times this commitment stands and COVID-19 mustn’t dilute our faith and what this means.
Now, perhaps, I need to go and give myself a talking to….