Our Return Journey

As we begin our return journey to face-to-face church, there will be many different thoughts and feelings amongst us.

Whilst we would love for every health restriction to be relaxed at once, we know there are many reasons why we cannot all come together in-person this weekend.

For some of us it will be because we’re initially hesitant to bring our family into a building with others for a length of time.

For some of us it will be because of our medical choices or where we live on the map.

For others of us it will be because we’ve developed flu-like symptoms, we’ve visited a venue of concern, or we’ve had close contact with someone who is infected.

That’s why this weekend is only the beginning of our return journey, together.

After all, it is unlikely that every one of us will be able to gather together for many months, due to the uncertain health situation ahead.

So, whilst we could have chosen to delay opening until everyone could be together, we instead decided to follow the latest health guidelines by safely opening our buildings when allowed.

After all, it is our natural preference to have our doors open to whoever is willing and able to attend, especially those for whom the online experience has been difficult.

Yet, this also means that our livestream will continue to be vitally important in the coming months ahead, as it enables us to keep gathering together around God’s word, whether we’re sitting in a pew or watching on a screen.

So, as we travel this journey together, let us continue to love one another, as we read in 1 Peter:  “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathise with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.” (1 Peter 3:8)

JODIE McNEILL