Covid-19 and Outdoor Worship

This weekend congregations of different faiths are making decisions about coming together for worship after the Ontario government gave the surprise green light to gather in parts of the province.  Most decided that they didn't have time to prepare for this Friday/Saturday/Sunday but lots have already announced they won't be reconvening as worshipping communities until at least the Fall. 

During these past three months there have been a variety of reactions to the prohibition on worship and some congregations have offered up alternatives. A church in Alymer held a couple of services in the large parking lot. No one left their vehicles and the service was broadcast through car radios. Honestly, this didn't seem to violate the spirit of the law to me, but the Church of the Holy Tarmac was fined anyway. 

One suggestion for reestablishing worship is meeting outside. It would probably be easier for physical distancing, experts say that you're 20 times less likely to contract COVID-19 outdoors, and you're outside in the beauty of the Creation. Tis the season for congregational services and picnics, so why not? 



There is a growing movement toward worshipping outdoors with congregations sprouting up here, there, and everywhere in North America. The Algonquin Park ministry in which I participated the past couple of summers is now associated with Cathedral of the Trees ministry near  Maynooth-Madawaska. It is affiliated with the Wild Church Network. 

We may not want to "go wild" in our worship, but we could experiment with the outdoor format even if we choose not to go inside as a responsible and loving precaution for the next few months. As people of the Creator it could be a powerful witness in these rather confusing times. 

What do you think? 

https://riseabove470.wordpress.com/cathedral-of-the-trees/

https://www.wildchurchnetwork.com/