Something Episcopalians do especially well is a funeral service. But Covid-19 has put many funerals on hold depriving loved ones of that celebration of life and the communal declaration of the hope of the life to come.
Churches have adapted worship to this period of social isolation. We’re good at worship, and we put our time and energy there. We’re all televangelists now.
But are we prepared for a rising number of deaths?
Deaths in our elderly congregations. Deaths where loved ones cannot be with the dying in their final days. Deaths where spouses locked down in retirement homes cannot be with family, where burials are delayed because spouses cannot attend. The familiar course of grief is disrupted.
Funeral homes are already overwhelmed by Covid-19 cases and we’re not at the peak. Localities are making plans for makeshift mortuaries. If it’s not happening in your locale it will.
Zoom is tolerable for worship. It isn’t tolerable for a funeral.
You likely know at least one person affected by the death of a loved one. It will be many more.
Is your church preparing? As the number of deaths inevitably rises, are you prepared for this new reality imposed on grieving?
Please share with us your ideas. What lessons have you already learned? What resources have you found helpful? Where are you receiving support?