Someone asked me last week how was lockdown for me.  My immediate response was to say that it had been a time of growth.  I genuinely feel that as a community and as an individual, I can see so many blessings which have arisen out of our extraordinary and challenging situation in 2020. 

Over the last few days, I have spent time writing the script for a virtual tour of St Mary’s Church which will be available online for visitors as part of our Heritage Open Days.  Yesterday came the more challenging task of presenting my script in the church building while Steve H filmed what I was commenting on, and later in the day he was able to edit the different sections of recording to make a 16 minute presentation about our church building.  We didn’t have to do too many re-takes (thank goodness) and apart from one or two challenges such as how to hold a precious 17^th century Bible in white gloves while simultaneously reading notes from my clipboard (answer – use a music stand for clipboard!), it all proceeded very smoothly.  I think I felt most at home talking about the Greek letters on the chancel ceiling and the Latin memorial tablet on the gallery stairs, because as an ex-Classics teacher I was back on familiar territory!  When it came to making concise comments on theological disputes of the reformation period, I resorted to quick emails to experts who know far more about church history than I do!  The afternoon spent filming was demanding work, but I felt an enormous sense of achievement at the end of it, as well as complete admiration for Steve’s ability to pan the camera smoothly in the right direction and then create a seamless finished product for viewers to watch online. You can view the film here: https://www.facebook.com/stmar...

One of the most encouraging reminders in recent months has been the regular comment of our churchwarden Stephen B, who has said on numerous occasions to me: “We couldn’t even have imagined doing X, Y or Z six months ago!”  And he is absolutely right because the pandemic has forced us to attempt all sorts of things which we would never have tried out otherwise.   When I think how far we have travelled as a church with our website which Stephen has painstakingly masterminded, and with our streamed and online provision of services and information made possible by the IT knowledge and expertise of Steve H, we are in a different place and serving many additional communities compared to the beginning of 2020.

I don’t think that online activities could ever replace the immeasurable value of meeting as a gathered community in our beautiful church building.  On the other hand, as my father always says, “God is a great lover of alternatives”, and we have certainly discovered the wealth of alternative and additional provision which can be brought about through imagination and a willingness to adapt to the current circumstances.

PS We are looking for volunteers to help with the future live-streaming of our services, so if you would like to find out more or could offer your help in this area, please make contact with me.  All necessary training can be provided, so why not expand your own skill set during 2020!

Sarah Bourne – 9^th September 2020           sarahbourne@banburystmary.org.uk