I just got an email from the church where I attend. In it are the procedures by which the church will be operating starting in September 13, 2020. The procedures are so restrictive, that I wonder if going to church is even purposeful.
There will be no singing, no hand shakes, everyone must wear a mask and there will be no socializing after the service or before. Every odd pew will be roped off, and social distancing will be expected. One can only sit with their immediate family or social circle. If you are not part of an attending circle, you sit alone.
I am not sure if these restrictions are really a form of persecution, but these come from the head office of the United Church of Canada. So it is difficult to not comply with the expectations that are being placed on the congregations.
I do know of churches where the congregation do sing, and do socialize and do participate in their worship services. So why the restrictions?
But this is not just church. All clubs and organizations must comply with a stringent formality that would cause anyone to question why bother. Many clubs are loosing members because of these restrictions. Some clubs like businesses have closed their doors and have ended the club all together.
My question for myself then is this: Should I bother returning to church, a place where I am rejuvenated and experience an up lifting of the spirit/soul, where I can connect with others. Now I wonder if there is any reason of participating when all reasons to participate have been stripped away.
Society has become so paranoid. Are these restrictions so demanding that people feel there is no longer any reason to associate with others. In my gut feeling I believe that these restrictions are wrong, wrong, wrong. But I will not be heard I know. I will protest in my own way, but will not be heard. I now have to decide whether or not I am able to attend church services under the restricted terms that we are being forced to observe.
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