Last week, at Deer Parks Drive-In church service, it was announced that Alberta Health Services was considering not allowing the drive-in format for congregations as it was still ‘risky’.

In pondering the statement, I was struck by a number of thoughts.

During the Covid 19 crisis internationally, we have seen the future, and it is rule by fear.

In my lifetime, I never thought I would see a day where a strong democracy like Canada would turn so rapidly to what functions like socialism in response to what may potentially be a man-made virus designed to decrease world populations.

In this time, we have seen the integrity of the WHO being questioned.  We have seen the best laid plans of governments worldwide set aside in order to fund citizens and businesses short term survival.  We have seen businesses and individuals labeled essential or non-essential and as a result become paid to stay home.  We have seen self isolation and the rise of Science as our saviour more than we ever have before!  The rise of social distancing has created fear between people, has created a frustration that we cannot meet together for coffee, meals, worship services, movies, sports events, camping, fishing and anything that improves our mental, physical and spiritual health.

But we can go to Walmart, Superstore, Coop, Safeway, liquor stores and marijuana outlets, hardware stores and banks.

The fact that we believe a N95 or KN95 mask will protect us, or that a plexi-shield will save us, or that a 2 meter zone between carts is reasonable is incomprehensible in light of decisions that do not allow a drive-in-church service with six feet of dirt, inches of steel and glass between people, declaring it risky!

This is a time when national parks which contribute to physical and mental health are closed.  If any zone is easier to maintain social distancing in, it is the Rockies or parks around the province.  While we stay home to protect our country, we breathe in stale air instead of clean, crisp air cleaned by our nearly endless forests!

Any good therapist or mental health professional will tell you that an individual needs a balance between physical, spiritual and mental attributes.

Any practising Christian will tell you that being banned from church services, even while watching streamed ones, is damaging to our congregations.  We need the support-prayer and friendship, of our fellow believers.

Denying any sector of the community, sports, spiritual or hobbyist contributes to a poor balance which will lead to long term negative side effects.

In conversation with a senior recently, I was told that “Tim, a new normal is coming and I don’t know what it will look like but I don’t like it already.  I am afraid for my grand kids.”

That is the price that our future generations will pay for the global response to this virus and efforts behind the scenes that we are not privy too.

Good decisions are made with the best available evidence.  Great decisions are made with future results taken into effect from the road we take today.

Looking ahead, I can see the following:

1. Greater powers given to Health Departments for disease control
2. Incredible public debt which will pass onto our children and grand children
3. Policies that have been enacted will be suspended but not stricken from the legal record for use in future crisis.
4. Fear of people and increased mental disorders worldwide
5. The possibility of a guaranteed national income
6. A slippery slope towards socialism
7. Conditioning of a generation that believes society (and the government) owes them everything-legislated entitlement

However, in conversation there is a shared belief that this crisis will pass and the draconian measures imposed will mostly fade away, but in the meanwhile, the spirit of people to wander and engage in meaningful conversation will not be put down.

People will gather to worship any way they can.  They will meet in small groups under 15 and nourish their souls.

And as Rush wrote in “Red Barchetta,”

“My Uncle has a country place, That no one know about

He says it used to be a farm, Before the motor law

Now on Sundays I elude the eyes, And take the turbine freight

To far outside the wire, Where my white haired uncle waits

I strip away the old debris, That hides a shining car

A brilliant red Barchetta, From a better varnished time

I fire up the willing engine, Responding with a roar

Tires spitting gravel , I commit my weekly crime.”

So, in full comprehension of what may come if the Sunday gathering is allowed I will go. Who will join me in committing our weekly crime, being fully obedient to the Lord!