As the country takes tentative steps towards what some are calling Freedom Day are you looking forward with anticipation or dread?
What’s church been like for you over the last 16 months? Have you thrived on virtual fellowship or pined for more in-person collective worship? This blog will explore the range of emotions many of us have on what may feel like an uncomfortable return to church life.
It also makes use of responses to a recent poll which was sent out to members of the Redeemer family, asking for feedback on their experience at Redeemer over the past 18 months. Thank you all for your honesty and the time you took to answer the questions! If you would like to contribute to the poll you still can HERE.
An Uncomfortable Return
Some of our congregation still have no choice about having to stay away from in-person church. These are those whose medical conditions and personal circumstances mean it is vital for them to stay safe at home.
But what about the rest of us? Have we made it back to UWL on a Sunday morning? Do we feel comfortable meeting up with more people outside and inside our homes?
Like many of you, testing, mask wearing, washing hands more regularly and social distancing are now all part of my everyday routine. From July 19th, however, it’s all change.
We asked some members of the Redeemer family for their views of how lockdown has affected their experience of serving God at Redeemer.
What have we missed?
Although many of us missed Sunday meetings in person during lockdown the Lord still blessed us. We certainly have also missed communal singing (but if you’ve been in an England fan zone recently you’ve probably still enjoyed a good bellow).
Our musicians have served us so well throughout the pandemic, I’ve adapted to letting their words and music sweep me deeper into the presence of God. I sometimes wonder if we are not already part of the great multitude described in Rev 7v9-17. Maybe that’s a little theological gymnastic over-reaching, but during the months of virtual and restricted participation I for one feel we’ve had a foretaste of the eternity which awaits us worshipping the Lord.
Building Community
Meet ups were listed by almost 2/3 of people as a source of blessing during lockdown, and have also been a vital point of contact. One person commented:
““Meetups have, for me, been a huge support during the tough parts of lockdown. Knowing that I am not alone in my struggles has been great, but also to be able to take my eyes off myself and focus on praying for others has also been hugely helpful!””
People have indicated that they have felt less connected to each other, especially when it comes to meeting new people at church. However, we have still felt closer to the Lord and he has taught us to serve him in new ways.
No-one was able to anticipate the huge shift the pandemic brought to all aspects of our lives over the last few months. I sometimes find myself wondering how different our spiritual growth as a church would have been if we’d never experienced the effects of the virus. Nonetheless, by the grace of God we have continued to grow. We can rest in the peace of knowing that Jesus has been walking with us through the fire of sickness, bereavement and isolation.
Another response to the poll said this:
“Jesus hasn’t changed. In hard circumstances, which we are undeniably experiencing, our relationship with Jesus ought to be the most reliable aspect of our lives, building our faith rather than undermining it.”
A hopeful return
I’m hopeful the Lord is leading us into a new season where more in-person expressions of church can happen. This certainly seems to be reflected by the majority of those at Redeemer, with over 70% of responses to the survey indicating that they returned to in-person gatherings as soon as restrictions allowed.
Some responses elaborated on this answer:
“I was desperate to get back to church meetings in person - despite the online ones being a decent substitute.”
“I have found in person meetings to be immeasurably better in every way than digital church. Being in the building together is so much better than sitting in my living room!”
I’ve been pondering two quotations from the Bible:
Exodus 33v14,
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
and Proverbs 3v5&6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
These verses contain the promise of rest in God’s presence as we move forward and the encouragement that He will guide us as we submit to Him.
In-person church will be different from before the pandemic. We’ve learnt how to connect when disconnected (and I don’t just mean on zoom!). These unexpected circumstances have proved that although we may have been surprised and knocked off balance, the Lord has remained in control. I’m praying that despite the uncertainty, walking in post covid faith, we will advance in the confidence and security that comes from following Jesus our Rock and Redeemer. He will ensure our return to in-person church will fulfil all His plans for us and our community.
A reminder to reflect
As one response to the poll challenges us, this has been a difficult time for many, and however we are feeling about our return to '“normality”, it is important that we do not move on too quickly, or without reflection.
“We have been through the hardest collective time as a country since WW2, and I fear that a return to full in-person Sundays will dive straight into happy clappy songs, chatting over coffee, and picking up pieces of bread from a shared plate. Given what we’ve been through, I hope we are invited to mourn, connect more deeply and more sincerely with God and one another, learn lessons, and repent. Our country is significantly further ahead than others, and we should not forget them.”
Let’s continue in prayer and in discussion with each other to learn more about what the Lord has wanted to teach us during the last 18 months.
Written by Mandy Hudson
Mandy is a member of our Redeemer Family, a teacher, and a contributor to Redeemer’s latest book - Stories of Hope. You can pick up a copy on a Sunday morning!
