Didn't There Used To Be A 'Religion' Category?

[jourdain2]

Not all that important to most people, but I am feeling troubled and I am under pressure (as a P.C.C. member) to provide a response tomorrow sometime. Can we start by acknowledging that I am a Christian, active in the Church, and a musician (singing and organising music in services and for other charitable enterprises).

At the start of the lockdown I organised for the villagers to use the church as a repository for craft materials/books etc.. It was working well. Then the Archbishops intervened (and I have met and admire Dr. Sentamu) and the church was closed. Full stop. OK, the village worked out that the bus shelter would provide a location and there is a mini-library etc. there now. I've been active in this got the initiative into the local church and helped with organising a village May Day display - currently on with V.E. Day. Basically the church has been sidelined (and I understand that, but I am working with the village population).

Probably rubbish for me to be posting, but I got a missive from the local Church vicars etc. saying all sorts of genteel rubbish and one phrase has stood out. "Things will not, nor should they, go back to the normal we have known." This, after a lot of stuff about Zoom etc..

I understand that there is a place for technology, but, please, am I alone in crying out that people need people on hand? Things should go back to normal (they should never have been interrupted to my mind) but with the addition of technology. Ah, well, rant over. It's not been a good day and I am troubled. Sorry. I really am thinking about resigning from the P.C.C. - it's a big thing for me. Please ignore, if you want, I don't really mind. I have to sort thisout.

[woofgang]

I am not sure that I understand what you mean?

[marval]

I am sorry you are troubled Jordain. I understand what you are saying, It would be a shame if the church did not go back to how it used to be.

Unfortunately nobody knows how long it will take.

[jourdain2]

It's OK, Woof. It's a crisis of conscience. I just needed to say something to someone. :)

[Mamyalynne]

There still is a Religion Topic.

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Society-and-Culture/Religion-and-Spirituality/

[Neveracrossword]

I think there's a Sub-section in Society and Culture - if you click on that, there's mention of it....I'm sure that's where Theland's posts often start.

[Baldric]

Nor me ?

[Buenchico]

'Religion & Sprituality' is still there. It's under 'Society & Culture' in the 'View All Categories' menu:
https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Society-and-Culture/Religion-and-Spirituality/

. . . and I'm not sure what you're on about either!

[albaqwerty]

The written word has a lot to answer for.

Things will not go back to the normal we once had, businesses will realise that not all of them need people at desks, for instance.
Zoom may well have been a boon to many and will probably continue to be so, that probably wouldn't happen if we go back to the ''normal we have known''

I don't think for one minute he meant that people should stop having any social intercourse in any way, shape or form.

[Mamyalynne]

If you mean will there ever be Church Services again, I think there will be but as you say an option for 'virtual' worship is essential just now.

[Neveracrossword]

Unless someone posts in the specific sub-section and it then comes up in Latest Posts, they're often never seen. I'd forgotten half of them until I had a browse last week.

[jourdain2]

I'm sorry, I did look and couldn't find it. As I said, it's for me to sort out but it's a hard one.
Thanks, anyway for making me not feel all alone, all of you.

[woofgang]

Are you grieving for what has been lost? I think we are all grieving for something. I too think that "the normal we have known" has gone. We may as well cry for the moon. I am not sure why you would feel you need to resign over it?
"Our times are in His hand
Who said "a whole I planned"
Trust God; see all.
Be not afraid."

[Neveracrossword]

Jourdain, the 'why not try Religion and Spirituality? ' bit, with a link, is still under Society and Culture. Your question, topic, seems a perfectly valid one for that.

[jourdain2]

Thanks all, it's not that I don't accept that change will happen. It's hard to explain. We have let people down ( I feel that very strongly). I am very active on the village website, have helped organise May Day festivities, I write a couple of 'Time Out' slots of poems (1 for kids, 1 for adults) per week. Got us a double-page full-colour spread this week for our scarecrow festival and am working on V.E. Day. Just depressed about the negativity from above. I trust in God and Jesus - but not necessarily in the church hierarchy. Anyway, I'm off to be now, hope sleep will help. 'Night. :) xx

[naomi24]

Jourdain, You’re on the PCC, life at the moment can’t go on as usual, but it will get back to normal as soon as is possible - and if your ministers have any sense at all they will know it must. Churches are lost without organisations like the PCC to keep them running smoothly. Have you spoken to other members of the PCC? I think right now you would probably find it beneficial to discuss your concerns with them - even if it's only by telephone - and perhaps work out between you an emergency contingency plan for people who need help. Don’t stress. Life will get back to normal but for the time being we all have to go with the flow.

[anneasquith]

PPC?

[naomi24]

^?

[THECORBYLOON]

I had to Google it and it's a C of E parochial church council.

[anneasquith]

Ooft. PCC. Im sure you knew what I meant Naomi .

[anneasquith]

Thanks TCL,