Submitted by Brad Inglis
In church-land we call this Holy Week. The forty days of Lent are almost over and Easter is on the horizon. There is a beginning and an end to Lent and then a new beginning that starts on Easter Sunday. This is the comfortable rhythm of the church. Laid out for us and we know what to expect. The dates shift around a little bit every year but ultimately, the time frame is the same.
I wish this season of covid was a little more predictable, had a beginning and an end. We would know what to expect, see an end and a new beginning on the horizon, be able to do some planning, know when family and friends can be together and then allow us to get on with our lives. It’s pretty unnerving when the seasons of the church are more predictable than everyday life! Someone said that you know we are in trouble when both the casinos and churches are on the same page and closed at the same time.
Sadly though, in many respects, our lives are on hold, we continue living in this limbo. At some point we will move to the other side and look back at time as BC (before covid) and DC (during covid) and AC (after covid). But in the meantime, we are left in this time of wanting. Wanting things to go back to the way they were or wanting to move on to life as it now will be. Hopefully with a little more certainty and the freedom to connect with people in new ways, travel again and even give someone a hug.
I’m happy to report that we are open. Currently the church capacity is 30 people including clergy and accompanist. Strict covid protocol is in place and we ask that you pre-register by either leaving a message on the church answering machine 519-596-2394 or email the church at tobermoryunitedchurch@eastlink.ca. This is to ensure that you aren’t disappointed by showing up and we are already full. We also need to take names and contact information in case there happens to be an outbreak.
On Good Friday, the United Churches of the Peninsula will be hosting a joint service beginning at 10:30 via Zoom. If you aren’t already on our email list, you can contact any of the United Churches and ask to be included on the Zoom invite. As of writing this article, we will be holding an Easter Sunday service in church at the usual 10:30 time with a modified communion. This service will also be live streamed on Youtube and available later to watch at your leisure.
With a covid variant looming, our “Easter Sunday/New Beginning” in this season of covid is not on the horizon yet, but we are on the path. Just as Lent is all about the journey and those desert moments of uncertainty and discovery, not quite sure where we are heading next; we will continue on our way towards national and global wellness. However, this won’t happen without everyone being on board with the vaccine and adhering to the protocols in place. “AC” is coming, but it will take all of us to get there. We will have to forego the traditional Easter as we know it, but with any luck, by Christmas, there just might be a chance to gather and it will be oh so sweet!
Brad Inglis is the minister at Tobermory United Church. He can be reached at binglis2@me.com
www.tobermoryunited.ca
519-596-2821 (Home) 519-824-0268 (Cell)
