United Methodist Church even went so far as to Scotch tape the printouts to our front entrance glass doors, as well as activate the calling tree. The otherwise unused March 15 Sunday worship service bulletins did not go to waste either. They were delivered to the staff at Rotary Senior Living to be distributed to all the residents, and they plan to continue this service.
Nett told us that Grace E Free Church has been using Zoom meetings to connect face-to-face with some medium size groups like Women’s Bible studies, Youth Group (a combination of FB live stream and then Zoom for small group where the kids can interact), and a three couples groups meeting Sundays for example.
In addition to phone calls, Sacred Heart has reached out to its parishioners offering them information of masses said by the archbishop and other live-streamed masses from other well known priests and bishops across the country at various times.
“We also have been taking copies of the weekly bulletin and of Father Blake’s homily of the week to those “traditionally” homebound, or those we don’t feel are able to get out easily now, and to residents in the care center. These copies are placed in the doorway, or other place convenient for the person to collect, without going into the home,” added Strub.
“I have been more intentional to comment via social media with words of encouragement. I have driven to some of our more remote members to wave to folks through the car window and chat across the lawn and with one elderly person over the phone. I am encouraging the congregation to reach out to each other as well,” said Pastor Cooper.
He has also been utilizing online resources such as Lutheran Hour Ministry Video Bible Studies for confirmation students, Adult Sunday School and a men’s bible study, written pastoral letters (infused with humor) to help us all look for the best in this time of trial – “Letters from a Parsonage Prison,” and done a FB Live Coffee with Pastor and a Driving Prayer with Pastor during which he drove around EG and mentioned the things and people he prays for.
While all churches are adapting to a new way of temporary worship, what’s important to them all is that they continue to reach out to those around them, providing the word of God and a message of hope, especially during this time of pandemic.
“There is definitely a blessing in being gathered together that I can’t account for. It is more than just preaching. It is hard to explain the difference, but I definitely miss being together,” said Nett of not being able to worship with his congregation face-to-face.
All churches live-streaming services can be found by visiting their facebook pages. Sacred Heart is streaming at different times than mass would be – they will now stream Saturday evening Mass at 8 p.m. in Spanish and Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. in English.
Editors Note: We reached out to all churches for this story.
