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Isolation Brings Banbridge Church Together at Easter

Our members are separated, they are worshipping in their living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms, but this Easter we celebrated the fact that the Church is not a building but a community of believers.

BanbridgeAndrew Willis

Remembering the death, buriel and resurrection of Jesus Christ is an annual highlight for the Banbridge church, but with the country in pandemic lockdown how was this church in Northern Ireland going to celebrate Easter in 2020?

"With our buildings closed and members in isolation, it was especially important for our church to find a way to come together and mark one of the foundations of our faith," explains Andrew Willis, pastor of the Banbridge and Larne churches. 

The Apostle Paul taught that through baptism, every member shares in the Easter experience of Christ and are now united as part of his body - the Church. So, the pastor planned an Easter programme focusing on the people not the place.

Church members were asked to record scripture passages, prayers, music and reflections in their own homes before sending to the pastor who edited it together, creating a programme telling the story of our saviour’s life, death, and resurrection. 

The video was uploaded to YouTube and also posted on the churches Facebook pages where is was shared by members to their family and friends. 

"I feel as I’ve been to church to celebrate Easter," shared one member after watching the video.  A housebound member reflected "I felt one with my church and God," All enjoyed the mix of members involved - from mothers with their children to senior citizens - and the variety of talents on display - special items, prayers and stories.

Our members are separated, they are worshipping in their living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms, but this Easter we celebrated the fact that the Church is not a building but a community of believers.

The body of Christ may be in isolation, but the body of Christ is still one!