I graduated and every part of me left. I had no idea what was going on at the high school even though it was just across the alley from where I lived. I did hear they had a new principal, but I never considered what that meant for change.
Then one day they called and asked if I would help with a photography project. I was kind of excited as I walked through the double doors as an “adult.” I checked in at the office and headed off to the dark room. I made it as far as the main hallway when I was struck by the feeling of lifeless vacancy. It was so unlike my memories … my memories of a corridor pulsing with life. I just stood there wondering if I was in the right place. I spotted a pale little waif walking in my direction. He eyed me nervously as he drew near. I asked in a normal voice … “Where is everybody?” “In class,” he whispered incredulously. Then I noticed a large Redskin tomahawk hanging around his neck on a lanyard. “What’s up with that?” I said pointing. Sheepishly he replied, “It’s my hall pass, everyone has to get one from the teacher to be in the halls.” That was such a strange feeling, being in the familiar unfamiliar. It looked like my high school, but the culture had shifted, and it made it hard … and awkward coming back.
I think … there’s potential for hard and awkward as we return to church. The guidelines have come down from MINSA and we’ll be returning to a very different environment for the foreseeable future. Here’s a list of mandatory regulations for reopening:
- Disinfecting the facility before and after each meeting
- Temperature Checks, shoe disinfecting and hand sanitizing while entering
- Mandatory masks for the duration of the service.
- 2-meter social distancing, only households may sit together
- No more than 25% capacity
We’ve grown accustomed to shopping under similar guidelines but … this is church. I would like you all to be in prayer as we work together to make this as painless as possible. I think concentrating on the privilege of returning to worship and fellowship will help greatly. When you get the word that we’ve reopened … please come prayed up and with a heart of cooperation. No matter what the restrictions, I will say with the Psalmist,
