Unexpected Circumstances
As we are all aware, due to the current situation brought on by the global pandemic, many public spaces, including religious institutions were ordered to remain closed. State as well as city borders were sealed and restrictions were imposed on public gatherings by government authorities. Due to these unforeseen circumstances, all New Apostolic Church activities were also brought to a halt. In the beginning there was a lot of uncertainty about how to reach our members and ministers but even in these difficult circumstances we were able to find a way to reach our faithful members and serve them spiritual food. As it is rightly said: ‘Where there is will there is a way!’
Owing to all the restrictions and social distancing rules, all Divine Services were moved to virtual platforms. On Sunday 14th June 2020, three different locations in Maharashtra, along with other locations across the country, were selected for the live webcast of Word Services via the Zoom application. One such location was the New Apostolic Church in Jankinagar which comes under the Kolhapur District.
Small Team, Big Difference
One day prior to the service, a small team was called in to help with the technical and physical set up of the space. The technical set up was the easy part but getting the physical set up ready at the Jankinagar congregation proved to be challenging in times such as these. An enthusiastic team of five youngsters, under the guidance of Priest Vicky Ohol, who was also the officiant of this upcoming service, were ready to take on this challenge.
Preparation and Planning
On reaching the venue, their main tasks were to set up the lighting, cameras, sound system, altar preparations and seating for the next day. The team was more than ready! Armored with face-masks, hand gloves and sanitizers, precautionary measures were taken in every way possible. The assembled team took care of the seating arrangements for a few invited members by accurately measuring the spaces between the seats to maintain the guidelines of physical and social distancing. Utmost care was taken, ensuring only those who are healthy and those who do not belong to vulnerable or high-risk groups would attend the Word Service. Social distance and hygiene rules were also explained well in advance to each of the invitees.
Making Precaution a Priority
Even on the day of the word service, care was taken that the invited members, the team and the ministers came one after the other and sat at their already allotted seats as per the seating plan. After the Word Service, verbal greetings were exchanged and then the members, team and ministers left the venue in the same fashion keeping social distancing and hygiene their top priority. After such a long duration of uncertainty, the members of the Jankinagar congregation were excited to have an opportunity to physically attend the Word Service at their church. They were delighted to be with each other and share in this opportunity.
Remaining Vigilant
It is our duty as New Apostolic Christians and as law abiding citizens of the nation to follow these given directions by our church and our county. Our tenth article of faith is a vital part of our teachings and doctrine of the New Apostolic Church. Through abiding by these rules we contribute towards the well-being of our nation and also the well-being of each other. By now we know this for a fact that precaution is the only available cure against this infamous contagion and we should take all the necessary measures to be safe amidst this burgeoning pandemic. It is our duty to act wisely and responsibly in this fight against COVID-19!
Text: Vicky Ohol / Tanya Singh
Images: Vicky Ohol