Thought for the Week

I wonder how you have coped during this ‘lockdown’ time.

Did you feel you were ‘locked up’, or did you feel you were ‘locked in’?

Maybe you felt you were ‘locked out’ – locked out of the life you knew, the life with family, the life with friends, the life that brought joy and happiness in the company of others.

We are social creatures and we miss the social interaction which makes up the rhythm of our days.

For many it has been a desolate time, a time when walls become like a prison and life seems empty and fear hovers like a dark veil.

For many grief has had to be borne alone without the comfort of family and friends.

But for many there has been blessing because of technology. Communication has been made possible with loved ones and business colleagues alike via Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, FaceTime and other social media.

Many miss their weekly visit to the church as the church doors have been closed throughout the land for the past three months.

However, technology has brought its blessings here too as many have been enjoying ‘online’ worship provided by creative and innovative ministers and worship leaders.

In fact congregation numbers have swelled during this time and many more folk are tuning in online than attend church on a Sunday.

I am going to make a request here as I would dearly love to hear from any of you who do not usually go to church, but have been enjoying being part of the online congregation, as to what it is that attracts you.

As we consider going back to our churches, what can we learn from this and from you?