This morning, I was inside a church building for the first time since February, and leading 'in person' worship for the first time since 15 March 2020. The University of Glasgow Chapel , morning prayer, 8:45 Monday to Friday, in a blended format.
In the chapel were four other people, spread so far apart that there was a minimum of 5m between any two of them. Online about half a dozen others on Zoom.
My overriding feeling was of strangeness... no joy or delight at being in a building, and also no fear or anxiety, it was just very odd.
Where should I look? At the webcam, on a laptop on a table set just too low? At the person to my left, or my right, or in the top tier seating or the far away pew? How did it become meaningful for those taking part? Should I close my eyes to pray (I always pray extempore in the chapel) or not? And if yes or if no, then what?
It was a very valuable experience, illustrating some of the challenges of blended models, much to ponder and learn from.
