Anyone else struggling not being able to get to church this year?

[ArtemisBean]

After moving house and a couple of crazy years with a new baby and restarting work after mat leave, I'd only just found a local church where I felt comfortable when Covid kicked off. I hadn't had chance to get to know anyone. The church hasn't been running anything online apart from a couple of adhoc zoom services, and has no presence on social media, so I've been completely cut off from the community. Really missing fellowship and starting to wish I'd committed to a bigger, more 'modern' church with more of an online presence. Is anyone else feeling a bit lost at sea this year?

Yes, me. My church is doing weekly zoom meetings but I really struggle with Zoom in large groups, and with the kids around at church times it just hasn't worked out. I really miss the fellowship of church, and the routine of having church on Sunday to go out to. Feeling lost at sea is an excellent description. My church didn't start meeting again between lockdowns either so its been a long time since I've attended a service!

Yes, I miss church. I watch the live stream occasionally but I don't feel truly connected via that. Also, my mum who I go to church with doesn't have access to the Internet like many older people so she doesn't have any way of connecting with the church atm. We went when they lifted the first lockdown and so much had changed it hardly felt like church. I'm a lay reader and it felt so strange removing my mask just to read then replacing. I'm looking forward to the day we can sit near people again, shake hands, say hello to people and have hymns again.

I miss taking communion. I know some churches do it "online" but I can't get my head around that. I want the real stuff, properly blessed by the priest. Sipping lemonade in my own house is not real.

I miss taking communion. Online mass doesn't hit the spot for me at all. Our parish is a very depressing place at the minute due to clergy dynamics. So I've not missed the people.

Not me- I dont attend, but my mother is missing it dreadfully.

There are also long term concerns about the future of the church. Takings are down, the building is rented, still has to pay for some heating and rates etc.

We've had weekly zoom and it's not the same but we've all been grateful for it

Ours had just started back (I think 3/4 weeks?) when lockdown happened. But it had to be on an invitation/rotation due to needing to space out so much. Thankfully still doing zoom alongside

In the first lockdown, I quite enjoyed exploring new ways of worshipping and joined in online services from several churches. I read my bible more and joined in some Christian discussion forums. I'm definitely ready to get back to my own church though as soon as I can. We've phoned round our pastoral groups to stay in touch but we are all feeling the need to be back together in person. Hopefully not long now.

Not church but I am Sikh and our Gurdwaras(our place of worship) have been closed due to covid as well. So I can understand your feelings of being apart from your community. I miss worship and the sense of belonging. I hope this is ll over soon.