More From Juita Kartini

July 5, 2020, was a historic day for our church. The church reopened for Sunday services after being closed for the last few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following new normal, there were some adjustments made. The church only holds 50% of the total capacity now. We followed health protocols, such as checking body temperature, using hand sanitizer, and maintaining social distance.

We were not allowed to shake hands and could not see each other’s smiles since we were wearing masks. We were advised not to gather and could only say hello.

The mass went faster and quieter. There was no choir performance to avoid a crowd, and the Sunday service, which was usually almost 2.5 hours, was shortened to one hour. Nevertheless, we rejoiced that the longing to come to the house of God had been healed. As the Bible says: “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere” (Psalm 84:10, NIV).

— Juita Kartini (Jakarta, Indonesia)