Rev. Patrick Schoenberger, Heights Baptist Church, stands in an empty sanctuary - the result of social distancing requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. The church board has not made a decision yet on how it will change its current services on Zoom under the less restrictive requirements effective Wednesday.--NEWS PHOTO GILLIAN SLADE
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
As partial restrictions on gatherings in places of worship are lifted some churches reveal the unique ways they have continued to operate and even benefited.
Victory Lutheran has posted taped services on YouTube and Facebook. They’ve had 300 and 400 hits on those sites.
“More than we have on a Sunday morning,” said Rev. Jim Bredeson, pastor.
The number of young people accessing Zoom meetings have doubled in the last two months during the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.
Rev. Patrick Schoenberger, Height Baptist Church, says they’ve held Zoom services, using a link and password for access, and church attendance has increased. The services are interactive with those participating able to hear each other and greet each other. Those without Internet access can phone in and participate, too.
“This has actually been one of the most positive seasons in our congregation,” said Schoenberger, noting people are appreciative of this alternative.
At the Medicine Hat Christian Reformed Church they have been live streaming their services for years even though about 150 people attended in person. When the social distancing restrictions were put in place and the number of attendees limited to 15 it simply meant Rev. George Koopmans was leading a service with only those essential to operate cameras and microphones there.
At the historic St. Peter Lutheran Church, Rev. Shane Hein says the most significant issue during this time is the lack of close human contact.
“This is especially important when talking of worship pieces such as Holy Communion which, as the name suggests, is partaken in communion with one another.”
Some of the churches report a decline in finances as a result of no services and no offering or collection. Schoenberger reports an increase. Most churches have made E-transfers available and automatic withdrawals an option but many still stop at the church office to deliver an envelope.
The government’s new guidelines for places of worship, effective May 14, restrict the number of worshippers to 50, social distancing, no singing, control and staggering of entry into the facility, no food etc: https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx#guidance
Victory Lutheran does not plan to change how they are doing things until September. Bredeson says they have looked into an FM transmitter and a possible drive-in service as possibilities.
Schoenberger says Heights Baptist’s board has not made a decision on a response to the new guidelines. He is aware of the effect social distancing has had on people, those who have lost their jobs and a number of social issues people are dealing with as a result.
Koopmans says the church is pleased places of worship were included in the first phase of lifting restrictions. That congregation will be divided into groups of less than 50 and take turns to attend services in person.
Hein says this pandemic has had a positive impact on the community, it has “heightened awareness of God and the need to come to Him in prayer.”
