Several weeks ago The Outlook talked to churches in town amidst temporary closures mandated by the province in response to COVID-19. Each congregation was determined to keep its members connected as well as continuing to reach out to the community.
Three months later, churches can begin to welcome worshippers back, so we checked in to see what plans they have in place and what sort of precautions they are now asked to follow.
At Outlook Christian Fellowship, the congregation has been staying connected through phone calls to one another and in prayer. Their Sunday worship services have resumed at 11:00 am each week, along with a Wednesday morning Bible study. Warren Reid said that when they are gathered together the congregation is observing social distancing.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish have returned to Masses at 7:00 pm each Saturday for the month of July. In keeping with necessary precautions these Masses will be at one third capacity.
St. Andrew’s United Church closed its building in mid-March but the ministry continued through Sunday worship services and mid-week reflections offered by Rev. Ron McConnell on the church’s Facebook page. A weekly newsletter was sent out out by email, mail, or hand delivered and contained news, a reflection and some inspirational thoughts to keep people in touch with the church community. In June a second round of phone calls by the Pastoral Care Committee and volunteers took place to check in with their households and provide support.
The Church Board at St. Andrew’s has set September 13 as the date to begin 10:30 am in-person services again, giving them time to put building use policies, physical distancing plans and disinfecting protocols in place. Rev. McConnell said, “We wish to provide the safest possible experience for all who will attend worship, as well as those whom they may go on to encounter in the wider community. We will hopefully also have a better picture of the extent of the COVID-19 virus for the fall. The September 13 date will also allow us, we hope, to plan for a first worship service back in our building that is a real celebration.”
On March 22 Bethlehem Lutheran Church began live streaming their services and will continue to do so, even as they returned to in-person gatherings last week. During the past three months Bible Studies, Confirmation classes, and discipleship groups continued on-line, and Sunday School lessons were developed and emailed to families to do at home. Those without on-line access received DVD’s of Sunday services; and emails, newsletters and phone calls were regular occurrences. While the restrictions created extra planning and effort, the pastors were able to continue with special events like individual Confirmation services, as well as a celebration of high school graduates.
Prior to their reopening, guidelines were distributed to all members and ushers were instructed in seating people with social distancing in mind. In a message to the congregation Pastor Mac de Waal said, “ I have to admit that it feels odd to preach a gospel of grace and then send you a list of rules, but they are temporary (Lord willing) and we give thanks for what we can do.”
At their worship service on Sunday, July 5 it was evident how much it meant to Pastor Mac and diaconal minister Lila de Waal to see members of the congregation in the pews again. Minister Lila de Waal likely spoke for many in ministry as she opened the services with words of welcome. “We’ve waited many months to be together again, and for those who are at home you are together with us as well. We have gathered in Jesus’ name to worship him and we are together in Christ. Thanks be to God.”
