'Great to be back!': shielded residents enjoy return to church

Daily life changed on Saturday for the 2.2 million people in the UK who were told by the government to stay indoors to protect them from the virus.

One of them, 73-year-old John Moyles of Skegness, went to St Paul's Baptist Church on Sunday for the first time since the beginning of March.

"Shielding has been purgatory," he said. "I started self-isolating at the beginning of March because I could see this coming and I have health issues.

"By the time lockdown came I had a freezer full of meals I had batch-cooked myself and I'd stocked up the cupboards.

"What I hadn't planned for was how long it would be for.

"I live alone but like to get out and about - attending T.E.D social meetings and other groups.

"It's been quite lonely because I live on a park and everyone was the same boat - not wanting anyone to go near them.

"What kept me going was the virtual services broadcast online by St Paul's Baptist Church, so all of us regulars could watch at the same time and have a coffee as normal.

"Being able to go back to church is heaven. I really missed it - but what this has taught me is I need a little dog for company.

"So if anyone knows one needing a home, I'd love to hear from them."

Pastor Raish Sarin says he has been delighted to welcome back the members of his congregation who have been shielding.

"The church has been open for four weeks now and we are delighted to now be able to welcome back those who have been shielding," he said.

"We have kept in touch through our virtual services but I know it's been hard for a lot of our members.

"One 88-year-old lady told us she hadn't been out for 14 weeks and she was thrilled to be there.

"We have had to make changes to the services, though.

"Luckily, we took the pews out and replaced them with seats a while back so we have been able to do the two-metre distancing easily.

"However, government guidelines say we are not allowed to sing during the service to stop the spread of virus, in spite of also having to wear masks - but we play music and I tell the congregation they are very welcome to dance.

"We also hand out hymn sheets and let members take them home so they can sing their hearts out there.

"Another change is we are not allowed to hug each other, so we end the service with a bow and saying 'Shalom', which is a gesture of peace."

Further efforts to bring people who have been struggling during lockdown together are being planned. The first Coffee in the Courtyard event takes place on Thursday, August 13, from 1.30pm to 4pm.