Many of us would have felt a sense of relief at the news this week that the Omicron wave has peaked and that the COVID restrictions are being adapted and updated. For our church, it will mean that we no longer have to limit the 10am service to 100 people and there is the possibility in the near future that all our morning services can be combined again.
Even though there is much to be thankful for and excited about, this change isn't all smooth sailing. It still isn't 'business as usual'.
We still have a few weeks to wait for the Vaccine Pass system to be completely removed - hopefully in time for church on Sunday 10th April. In addition to this, we are waiting to hear from Te Whaea (our 10am venue) about whether they will continue to require Vaccine Passes in their building.
On top of all of this, there is still the reality of the virus in our community and the many different ways it will continue to impact our church. Some will continue to choose to stay away from our Sunday in-person gatherings while others will be required to isolate themselves because their household has been impacted by COVID.
The next weeks and months are going to be tricky for us to navigate together as a church. Increasingly management of the virus is moving from broad community-wide rules to that of individual responsibility.
With this shift, some of us will want to ditch all restrictions and embrace the re-established freedoms. Others will continue to be anxious because the virus is still present.
As we navigate this space, we need to do so as the body of Christ rather than simply a group of individuals. Seeking to live and love in a way that places the needs of others over and above my own personal preferences.
This week is probably a good week to read Romans 14 & 1 Corinthians 8 (replacing the word 'food' for things like 'masks' or 'vaccine') and reflect on how you can love your brothers or sisters in how we respond to the COVID situation.
"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." (Romans 14:19)
Grace & peace,
Andrew