I mentioned earlier in the week that my church had its first service due on Sunday . A lot of work went into preparing for the opening and into setting out a safe environment. I had giggled to myself at the instructions sent out on how to enter and leave. The first line included a reminder to go to the toilet and wash your hands before leaving home.... There is never anything wrong with a safety wee!
The church has a substantial amount of ground around it and the trees were looking autumnal especially the crab apple trees. It’s hard to believe that the last service was before these were even showing any blossom.
The timing of the enforced closure came at quite a convenient time for our church. We had decided to refurbish the interior with the removal of a number of the pews to make the church a more flexible space. It has taken quite a while for the appropriate approval to be granted however the work was able to go ahead during lockdown and also included the laying of new carpet. Change can be difficult to accept but as the minister pointed out the chapel has evolved continually since it was built in the early 1800s. Remarkably this recent change has made it much easier to achieve the required social distancing.
It also has included the installation of a screen which again has meant that during the present restrictions no paperwork is necessary.
The service went well despite our masks and no singing. I think everyone was pleased to be back worshiping together again.
J
J
Glad you were able to gather together. WOW your church was built in 1800! Our church is still awaiting approval from the Bishop's "safety" team to re-open Oct 4th. Although this date is in pencil because the numbers in Ontario for COVID-19 infections is on the steady rise. :(
ReplyDeleteRemoval of pews is becoming a VERY hot issue in churches this side of the pond. I waffle about it, but I think I'm still on the side of keeping the pews in place.
I can understand the desire to keep pews and I know some people are quite possessive about them. I do feel that unless the pews are of historical significance then a church should move with the times. We hope that the space will allow more flexible worship.
DeleteI'm now on the governing body for our church, and the debate is hot about how and when to reopen. So far a very conservative approach has been taken. I'm not inclined to go back until everyone can return. Now only about 60 people could socially distance themselves in our sanctuary which typically can hold 400-500 people. Interestingly, New York which had terrible rates of COVID early on, now has one of the lowest rates in the country. Many churches are starting to reopen, but not all are doing it wisely. One local church had 7 people come down with COVID after their first service.
ReplyDeleteYou must have been very happy to be able to return and let's hope it isn't too long before you can sing along to your favourite hymns once again.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like your church took the necessary precautions. I think not allowing singing is one of the most important for safety, although it is really missed in the praise aspect of worship. What a blessing to be back.
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