Church in a pandemic

Being Church in a pandemic context  
 
From the perspective of Church, would the present situation  be best described as a crisis or an opportunity?
 
A satisfactory definition of ‘crisis’ is that it is a turning point.  For at least the last three decades the Church has been in a turning point.  Old ways do not suit the modern demographic.   Church on Sunday morning has been in gradual decline.
 
The present context could make this decline terminal, or it could set new patterns, ways of behaviour, new cultures of being Church that are more appealing, and appropriate, especially to families and young people.  What is obvious is that if Parishes and Dioceses have no strategy to lead the Church through at least  the next 6 months, the result might see the demise of many. With appropriate strategies this may prove to be  a God given opportunity for new life and direction.
 
 
Some immediate Strategies
 

1. Spiritual

 

• Sunday Morning   At the time you would normally be at Church sit with your household at the dining room table; decorated with cloth, candle, piece of bread and glass of wine.  Have some of your favourite spiritual music playing in the background.   In a moment of silence recall the faces and names of those with whom you would normally be at Church.

1. Say the prayer of preparation (APBA 119)
2. Perhaps with the help of news stories share amongst yourselves the pain and brokenness of God’s world and our share in it.   Remind yourselves of God’s grace, forgiveness and intention to redeem all things.
3. Prayer provided from the Parish
4. Read the Gospel for the day and, if possible, reflect on it. (Reflection might be provided from the Parish)
5. Pray for one another, the world the Church and especially for those in front-line health services.
6. Remind each other of Jesus feeding the five thousand and his actions at the last supper (perhaps say the prayer of humble access)   Share the food.
7. Pray Lord’s Prayer and  remind each other  that we are commissioned to be neighbour in every way that is possible in the coming week.

 

• Every Day   Decide on a time in the Parish when all parishioners can be with each other in spirit  say 5pm – 7pm.    Light a  candle provided by the Parish or Diocese. Play some music, reflect on the day, and say an evening prayer provided by the Parish.    Keep the candle alight for the time agreed, but go about normal evening activities.
• Good Friday  Decorate the Church suitably for Good Friday.   Invite members and the general public to pop in (keeping social distancing) between 8.00.am and 3.00.pm.  Have suitable music playing.  If Parish resources permit have a member of the Parish or worship leader lead bible reading/prayer/reflection for ten minute every half hour or hour. 
• Easter Day Invite the whole community to come together in a suitable open space. Make clear this is a community meal, not the sacrament of Holy Communion, although of course it may be profoundly that for many. Some Parishes will require several open spaces.  Conduct worship along the lines of Sunday morning above.  Ask people to come with their own seat, their cup of wine (or cordial), and their own bread.   If many come who are totally unchurched  conduct the service with a concentration on the message of new life and hope, but with as little religious jargon as possible.    Make sure there is an adequate speaker system.  Make sure the rules of social isolation are observed.
• Resources   Some Parish resources may be provided each week, both online, and where necessary, in hard copy delivered to letter boxes.  Information about some of the best online resources should be provided.

 
 

1. Pastoral

 
Longstanding research shows that if contact is lost for six weeks or more it can be very difficult to restore, especially with those on the periphery of the Church.
 
The Parish roll should be carefully examined to determine the best way of maintaining pastoral care of each parishioner.  For many, this contact may be satisfactorily maintained electronically, but care should be taken to ensure that none are taken for granted.  Some/many will  require more personal care, by phone or perhaps even in person.  There will be far too many for the Rector to shoulder on her/his own.  These names should be allocated to others who are known to have the skills for pastoral contact.
 
If any members of the Parish should contract the virus, it will be necessary to have a developed plan of care.
 
Those who have self-isolated, particularly the elderly, information should be sought as to how such persons are receiving essential supplies.
 

1. Outreach

 
The Parish doors should be known to be open to parishioners and the wider community for people to pop in say from 9.00.am – 3.00.pm.  each day.  The Church should feel open and welcoming.  Perhaps background music might be playing.  There might be a place where folk can go and light a candle.  It may well be necessary for two shifts of three hours each to provide  a listening ear.  (Time will tell if this is necessary).
 
Sanitiser must be available at the door of the Church and the pews wiped down regularly.
 
Regular caring programmes  should be maintained, or adjusted, wherever possible
 
 

1. Administration Communication and Finance

 
Demands on communication and administration will increase and not decrease.   Once a pattern emerges more volunteers may be required to carry the load.  It will not necessarily be the case that volunteers need to go to an office, much of this work could be done from a home computer.
 
It will be necessary for Parishes to have a clear strategy about financial sustainability.  Parishioners should be encouraged to invest in the long-term life of the Parish.  If finances drop substantially it may well prove impossible to start again when the pandemic is over.   A well drafted letter should go to all parishioners.  Those who are not giving electronically should be encouraged to do so.  For those whose giving is in cash, the parish could provide money boxes to be taken home and the weekly giving deposited therein.
 
 
The above are thoughts for the immediate future, as time goes by longer term strategy should be developed.