We now live in an era of social distancing. The coronavirus has spread across the continents and speculation is that once consistent and significant testing begins, we’ll discover that the number of infected people will be far greater than anyone considered. The hope is, however, that the virus is not as prevalent as many fear it to be. But we just don’t know.
These are precarious times and those of us with compromised health find ourselves significantly socially distanced. At the very least the goal is to keep six feet away from others, in groups 10 or less, washing hands frequently, sneezing into elbows and, sanitizing surfaces around us, being vigilant as we try to evade contagion.
This is a difficult time for many congregations as they are forced to cancel public worship. Church identities are built upon their affirmation of being a family of faith and worship is a central component of fellowship and ministry. The church I belong to initiated web streaming this past Sunday—something new for us. Fortunately, we have a tech savvy pastor and supportive laity. This week we will stream a jazz service. No one will be in the sanctuary except the jazz quintet, our pastor, a lay leader and video tech guy. We’ll pre-record the service on Friday morning and stream it on Facebook at our regularly scheduled worship hour on Sunday (10:00 am CDT). It’s a little tricky getting all our ducks in a row, but we have the basics to pull it off technically and the talent to support the pastor with our music.
If you’d like to check our web streaming efforts just go to Facebook and search for First Congregational Church Webster Groves.
Tim and I wish you good health, courage and an adventurous spirit as your church explores new ways to worship during this global pandemic. Remember to keep reaching out to one another with compassionate support and love.
Cliff