Congregations, a Pandemic, & Necessity as the Mother of Invention

 There hasn't been a lot of good news for congregations after two and a half years of a pandemic which won't go away. Some which already had weakened immune systems simply died, with permanent closures all over the place. Lots were creative in reaching out to folk, ours included, with virtual services and the choice to reopen during the periods when it was allowed. Even for these innovative communities of faith the return to weekly in-person worship has been a challenge. It seems that some members have decided to stay with the virtual option and others, including some young families have drifted away.

One positive thing offering virtual options has done is allow people to participate in study groups even when they live at a distance. I led several groups on different subjects through this uncertain time, most of which were a combination of in-person --sometimes masked and distanced--  and via Zoom. 

Next week we finish up three sessions on the challenging subject of Medical Assistance in Dying, the term used in Canada for the legal ending of a life, under guidelines, with the assistance of medical professional. We've looked at the legislation first passed in 2016 and the statements of the United Church in response. Yesterday we had a guest from Hospice Quinte to remind us that palliative and hospice care are available in our region and across the country. 

In this really helpful session there were 18 participants from six different congregations. The majority were from Trenton UC and physically present but others were in communities across Ontario. One couple found out about the study through Rev. Isaac's Facebook page. One of the Trenton participants took part in-person last week but was out of town yesterday so joined via Zoom. The flexibility and the opportunity for hospitality just didn't occur to us until necessity became the mother of invention.

I'll admit that it is a bit a challenge to include everyone when half a dozen or more participants are small images on a tablet screen, but we make it work. I do wonder if this will become more of the norm in future as some congregations go to part-time ministry. One of the participants is from a small congregation with no "paid accountable minister" so joining up with this study group is a lifeline, and I'm glad she's taken part.

We've discovered that several of us know people who have chosen Medical Assistance in Dying and others who are considering this option. Next week we'll talk more about our faithful response to something which was unthinkable for many until a few years ago, not to mention illegal. 

I know that our participants will be faith-full, thoughtful, honest, and bravely vulnerable as we explore this together.