Meeting for Sufferings: Pandemic reflections
‘We are never going to look quite the same again.’
Last June, MfS reflected on the pandemic and how Friends’ communities were responding. At this meeting, MfS held an open worship session to share what has been learned. Representatives reflected on the effect of the pandemic on worship, on community and on outreach. How might our Meetings be in the future? How can Friends support one another?
The quality of worship using electronic means was a central theme, with some Friends saying that meeting online enhanced the quality of worship, while others said that it detracted from it. The challenges of blended Meetings, where some meet in person with others online, were also highlighted.
One Friend said that there has been a need to support people who are not comfortable with technology. ‘We have to be careful not to switch everything to electronic means.’
Another Friend said that online Meetings can supplement in-person Meetings once the latter resume. ‘I totally take the point that there is a loss in Zoom, but it’s the best we’ve got.’
‘We need to look at all the hesitations Friends have’ as well as the positives, said one Friend. ‘For meetings where content is important, Zoom works really well. For meetings where process is important, maybe less so.’ Another Friend said that Meetings will need to invest in the right technology to make blended Meetings as seamless as possible.
Several Friends said that there is more connection between Meetings now, even internationally. Quaker Quest is also continuing online.
One Friend said that her Meeting had decided to carry on blended Meetings indefinitely because it includes at least two Friends who cannot come to the Meeting house. ‘We are never going to look quite the same again.’
