Page 6 - Contact Autumn 2020
P. 6
“You don’t realise what you have until it is I didn’t really think there would be much
gone”. I think this really sums up how we felt of a difference going back to church.... yes we
when meeting as a church family stopped back would have to do the necessary - hand sanitise,
in March. Although the online services were wear masks, physical distance, etc. (We don’t
excellent, we did miss the fellowship that is use social distance in our house as we can still
so important. When we opened up again in be sociable with people). I would have to dress
September, we were a little nervous about rather than wear pyjamas and forego my
coming back, particularly when the Ballymena morning coffee whilst listening to Norman.
area had further restriction applied. We would
say however that church is most definitely the But it was different! There were no distractions!
place we feel safest with all the measures that No cat wanting out! No dog wanting in! No
have been put in place. It is brilliant seeing the interruptions from a child looking for
top part of friendly faces. Although we cannot something or telling me they had completed
have fellowship the way we used to over a Stephanie’s activities! It was quieter,
coffee, just being together worshipping is peaceful, uninterrupted, bliss!
something we did not realise how much we
had missed. It really is wonderful being back Distance had been removed and a connection
together, but we must still remember those was re-ignited - Waving and making eye contact
who crave to be back along with us but cannot with my church family across the pews whom I
due to the increased risk that health issues hadn’t seen in 6 months. A tear to the eye.
put on them. We need to continue to support
them and look forward to the day when the Yes some things were strange and annoying
church building will be full again, when young - singing with a mask, no bibles in pews, no
and old can meet together without fear. gatherings, no coffee! .... BUT above all of these
there was a hope!
James Hamill
In Hebrews we are reminded to hold
unswervingly to hope! Hope that is rooted in
God.
I have confidence in the people keeping me
safe in church - thank you.
BUT I have a far greater confidence in God. He
is in control and because of this, our family will
meet together with our brothers and sisters in
Christ.
We are reminded that it is good to meet
together.
Maybe see you next time!
The McClellands
