As the province continues to relax restrictions on public gathering sizes, churches in the Parkland are planning out how they can safely resume service.
Community Minister Wayne Olsen says the congregation at the Church of Christ Dauphin have been meeting the last two Sundays, and says “it’s been good getting back together and doing things together.”
With a maximum seating capacity of about 50 people, the Church of Christ Dauphin could get back to regular service very soon — but Olsen says there are much larger churches in our area that will face greater difficulty getting back to normal.
“We want to do what is right and keep people safe in the process. Some churches are quite a bit bigger than others, so they have a tougher time meeting those regulations compared to us smaller churches.”
New Provincial Guidelines
Beginning Sunday, Phase Three will allow gatherings of 50 people indoors, and up to 100 outdoors — as long as there are two metres of separation, except for brief exchanges.
Even larger gatherings are allowed at 30% of a site’s usual capacity, as long as people can be physically divided into sub-groups of 50 or less.
Silver Lining
The closure of churches during the COVID situation has had some unexpected consequences.
Olsen explains that congregation members have been able to catch up and connect more than ever with the use of Zoom, and other online video software.
“It’s created a healthier environment in getting to know people better. Those have been some good things that have come out of meeting on Zoom, or Facebook Live.”
Going forward, Olsen believes some churches may continue incorporating online video technology as a way to supplement regular worship.
