Quarantine 2

Sunday 15^th we had what now turns out to be our last church service. There were many restrictions, but we were allowed to worship together provided there were not more than 100 people present, the choir included, and we had to keep a distance from each other of at least 1.5 meters. The church was thoroughly cleaned beforehand, pews painstakingly disinfected, as well as door handles, handrails, everything. Every pew had a box of tissues and a basket on the floor for used tissues. There were hand gels in many places. All this took lot of preparation, as we have no caretaker, and everything in the church, every task, is done by volunteers. No handshakes were allowed when wishing each other the peace, and just bread at the communion, no wine. It was a quiet but beautiful service. In times like these we do need support and the church community around us. When that is taken away, things become more difficult to bear. Turning to God as a community, is what one needs. The music was so comforting, telling of God’s care and love for us. The sermon by our interim minister was very encouraging and thoughtful. It was a special morning. I will miss the singing, my fellow singers, the choir during practice on Friday night, the Choral Evensong, always so moving, which we were supposed to sing next Sunday. As well as all the other music in this time leading up to Easter, the most important feast in the Christian calendar. Little did we know then that it would be the last service for some time to come.  No coffee afterwards to greet each other and wish everybody well. When will we meet again? But apparently church services will be streamed from now on, so that we can take part in them at home.

 

A friend in the choir invited me for coffee and lunch at her place, which is on my way home anyway. Her invitation made me very happy!

Whatever happens, nature just doesn’t care. The magnolias in the gardens here look glorious, even better than usual after such a mild winter. I am happy to live in a green town, and near the sea. And luckier than most when it comes to social isolation. At least I have had 20 years of practice, on and off. And as for the music: Fortunately I have never been able to get rid of books and CD’s. Now I have time to listen to the latter, and read the many books still waiting to be opened.