Earlier in the pandemic, navigating the ever-changing conditions and regulations was compared to piloting a ship through an asteroid field.  In this scenario, not only the ship is moving, but also the asteroids, giving any pilot an added challenge.  Biblically speaking, the closest equivalent seems to be navigating a ship during a storm at sea.

            While we are still navigating a changing and sometimes stormy landscape, at least one variable has changed since last September.  Now, the vast majority of people in our church family who are 12 and older have been vaccinated – and those who have been vaccinated quite rightly expect that they should be able to come to the church for worship.  Thus, at some point this Fall, we will (more than likely) open the doors for those who wish to come.

            However, doing so is not as simple as just inviting everybody to come.  Many volunteers will be needed, both to figure out what safety measures need to be taken and to implement those same protocols. Volunteers will also be needed to assist in various ways with Sunday worship – including things like operating the projector, looking after the video for the livestream, greeting people & giving them instructions, counting the offering, reading, etc.

            At the same time, many questions continue to float around:  For example, what will communion look like, and how often will the sacrament be offered?  What would need to happen for us to be able to have coffee again?  How do we handle all of the different comfort levels people have – everything from “please hug me” to “don’t come near me!”  Will singing be encouraged or not?  Will any children be present?  What about sharing the peace?  Do people need to be told where to sit, or can they figure out how much space 2 metres is?  Who will come, and who will stay away?

            Ultimately, worship will not look like it did before – and neither will Sunday school, or coffee time, or… Some congregations have decided that they don’t want to have in-person, indoor worship until there are no longer any restrictions.  This is, indeed, another possibility, but who knows how long that will be?  Meanwhile, we are giving people the opportunity to come and worship outdoors as long as the weather permits.

            As members of the body of Christ, we need to be able to worship, and to pray, and to study the Scriptures, and to serve others, as all are part of growing in our relationship with God and in our faith in Jesus.  We also need relationships and connections with other believers, which both challenge and strengthen our faith.  The challenge continues to be how we can engage in these things without spreading disease and making others sick.

            Yes, the storm continues, and at least some of the goal posts (asteroids) keep moving.  Still, Jesus is in the boat (nave – navis) with us and gives the command, “Peace!  Be still!” (Mk. 4:39).  Whether it is storms without or storms within, Jesus has the power to bring peace and calm.  May it be so for us, as well!

            In Christ,

            Pastor Lynne Hutchison