It seems to make even a proper social distance to be over twice as far. Everyone needs proximity with other people, even the introvert. No one can function without a social group of some kind; even strong introverts need social interaction, just less of it.
Keeping a “social distance” for COVID is good. It is not about stopping the spread, but slowing it down, or “flattening the curve,” as the health officials have said. I think keeping the healthcare system from being overloaded is important. I also know that our health is more than physical. Our mental well-being is equally important, and that includes socialization of some kind. When COVID hit, and the meeting size dropped to ten, we even stopped the Sunday morning meetings as well. Online services are passable as a temporary measure but pale in comparison to an actual meeting.
Things have relaxed a bit. We understand more, and the province is adjusting. With the changes, we have reopened our church, a few changes, and we meet the guidelines. It is good to see fellow church members, even under masks. I believe the importance of community cannot be overstated; being there with others, even merely seeing them, makes a difference. This is, in part, why the Bible contains the following verses, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” Hebrews 10:24,25 (ESV). It is very encouraging to have the congregation together.
We have been able to meet the recommendations for a few weeks because we are a small, rural church. Big church or small church each has its own problems and advantages. One advantage we have had is we can meet the guidelines easier. I actually felt sorry for the larger churches under the original guidelines. They were onerous for a large church. The revised guidelines are better. Many churches are opening again, as it is safe, do return and be part of your congregation.
In addition to being a social meeting, the church is being brought together by a common bond of faith. It is this faith that binds the church together—knowing that God is watching over us, even in the hard times, as well as the good times. We are a gathering that finds rest in the redemption accomplished by Jesus on the cross. Assembling together to help each other grow to be more like Christ. The COVID guidelines may make this slightly more difficult, but it is worth the effort.
In the end, as our church meets on Sunday morning, I can only hope when my cheeks widen, they can see a smile underneath the mask.
Rev. Rick Shott, Nokomis Baptist Church
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Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.
