Holy week 2021--Updated

 

Palm Sunday service is available here

Yesterday, Palm Sunday, was the start of Holy Week. Normally we would have a list of services and events posted here and in the newspaper and maybe on posters in the narthex. In 2020 our COVID-19 response was brand new and the province was in the initial lockdown of the pandemic. Many of us thought that after a few weeks or maybe even three months we would be back to normal.

Wrong! We were of the mindset of soldiers going off to fight in WWI who were convinced "it will be all over by Christmas." It was four more Christmases before survivors saw their loved ones again.

Now, as we face our second Easter of the pandemic, we have more realistic expectations. We also have some variance in the Public Health Orders around worship, that allows for some outdoor and/or indoor services.

At present this is what we know for services at SPPC:

• Maundy Thursday, April 1, 5:00 pm. In-person communion service, outdoors. Maximum attendance is 50. Inclement weather might require us to stay in our cars but please dress warmly and plan to worship outside.

• Good Friday April 2, 10:00 am live-streamed worship service with an in-person congregation of up to 40 people. 

• Easter Sunday, April 4, 10:00 am. Live-streamed worship service with an in-person congregation of up to 40 people. Worship will conclude with the celebration of the Lord's Supper.

Other restrictions include 

• no socializing before or after service. 
• Face coverings must be worn even when seated. 
• Physical distancing is required. 
• No congregational singing.

The Maundy Thursday service requires pre-registration. Call the office at 250 656 - 2241 if you wish to attend.

Attendees are encouraged to do a personal health check before coming. B.C. Health check is available here.

As noted in the announcement from Dr. Bonnie Henry, the number of COVID cases on Vancouver Island is rising. Orders may change at any moment. Right now, we are allowed four services with COVID protocols in place. 

However, we must remember that just because we "can" doesn't mean we "should." Rev. Irwin and Session have done their best to strike a proper balance between the desire for in-person worship and the desire to keep congregants safe. No one should feel obligated to attend service if such a meeting is beyond your own comfort level and personal risk tolerance.

Easter will happen, however we worship. The darkness of Gethsemane and Golgotha will give way to the joy of Easter morning and the Risen Christ. Alleluia!