Lockdown !

On Friday the government banned meetings of over 100 people. We assumed we could still meet on Sunday, but the guidelines were: no handshakes or hugs, everyone sits at least a metre apart, no communion, coffee or snacks. Also the trams would stop running at 20h30, so people would have to go straight home.

Then on Saturday evening further restrictions were put in place which meant that churches cancelled their services completely. Sylvain was due to preach so he did a live feed on Facebook. It went very well indeed, and a little technical hitch halfway through didn't put him off his stride at all.

Gethin, a colleague from Paris, was due to go to Rome for a weekend break, but when that proved impossible he came to Bordeaux by train instead. He was able to explore the city on Friday and Saturday, but then he was here for the shutdown before leaving on Monday afternoon. It was good to see him. He got home to Paris safely.

Now we're confined to our apartment. To leave we have to fill in a form stating why we're outside. Police are checking why people are on the quays or in the city centre. You're allowed out to go to work, to get your kids, to do essential shopping, to walk the dog, to see the doctor or to take a little exercise. All with your duly completed form.

This morning we were able to drive over to collect Catrin so she'll spend confinement with us rather than alone. We're glad to have her with us, the birds are singing and the weather promises to be nice later in the week. We've been to our local supermarket and we're well supplied with oranges and bananas as well as the other basics. A rumour says there may be eggs on Thursday or Friday.

Meanwhile church life continues.
This evening a Christianity Explored group will continue, probably by Skype.
Catrin has a meeting by Skype.
Wednesday's Bible study and prayer may take place by Zoom.
We're considering either Facebook Live or Youtube Live for next Sunday.
Groups will meet online and our deacons have lists of people to be checking on.
In addition we might actually meet our neighbours more easily now everyone is confined to barracks.

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