b'For a church called New Song,its painful not to be able to sing, Reverend Creighton Friedrich commented.Thisisoneofthechallengesof worshippingtogetherduringthe COVID-19pandemic,hepointed out. When in-person church services are allowed, the congregation needs to social distance and wear masks, plus, they cannot sing, but its okay tohumalong,hesaid.Thereare plasticbarriersforthemusicians, whicharejokinglycalledpenalty boxes. Only 30% capacity is allowed for in-person church services.New Song is well known for its accomplishedmusiciansandsing-ers, said the pastor, who prefers to just go by Creighton. His wife Rachel is a talented guitarist who plays her acoustic Martin at church. Creighton plays a little guitar too, but says he just strums along.We have stellar musicians for a small parish, and we have an eclecticThe very welcoming smiles of Rachel and Creighton at new Song Church. music mix, Creighton commented,(December 2020)from classical hymns to contempo-rary. God is My Might Fortress isdays when we cant walk alone. WeIwassoimpressedwithNew oneofCreightonsfavourites.Itneed to connect and receive prayersSong, the beautiful music and wor-speaks to my German side, he said.and blessings. We need to reach outship,saidCreighton.Hehada Its a good one for all seasons andto the community in all (COVID re- conversation with the Bishop about storms of life.striction) phases. makingthetransition.InFebruary Following health department re- CreightongrewupinOttawa,2020, he was invited to be the new strictions, New Song has been hold- returned to serve as a Curate at St.pastor at New Song, just before a ing a social time on Zoom, followedPeters & St. Pauls Anglican Churchstrange thing happenedthe Prime by church services on YouTube.inhishometownforthepasttwoMinister announced the lockdown.Itscooltoseeeachotheronyears.My dream has always been to be Zoom,havingcoffeetogetherandGod made it clear that my pas- a pastor in a small town, Creighton making connections, he said. Wetoral call was in Ottawa, he said. Itsaid.Itsnicetowalkdownthe worshipandlivestreamfromthewas meant to be, because there hemain street and go to a coffee shop church (at 14460 Simcoe Street, Portmet Rachel, his future wife, throughand have people recognize you and Perry.) the young adults group.sayhello.Therearelovelypeople Inatimelikethis,duringtheFor a weekend away with hishere.COVIDpandemic,weallfeelfearwife,CreightonansweredthecallHe describes Rachel as a city girl andanxietyandloneliness.Someto do some guest preaching at Newwho likes concerts and culture. days are worse than others. There areSong in Port Perry.Please turn to page 26FOCUS - APRIL 202125'