Church in the Bubble

Later this month, the shutdown in Newfoundland will be a year old. Many of the extreme restrictions of the early days have long since been relaxed, and we are adapting to a kind of ‘interim normal,’ but the effects of the global health crisis are still being felt. Masks and physical distancing are still required most places we go. Churches require pre-registration in order to worship. Clergy are balancing care for the gathered community who are comfortable or able to worship in person with care for the scattered community who still remain safe in their homes. Sunday worship comes in three kinds: in-person, online, and hybrid combinations of the two. As the season of Lent approached, many agonized about how to provide for the spiritual needs of those who crave the discipline and devotion of the season in ways that are safe and don’t overtax the added volunteers needed to clean and organize for midweek services over and above weekend fare.

But there is a great opportunity for us in these strange days...

This post originally appeared in the March 2021 issue of Anglican Life.

Click here to read the whole article.