I am one of more than 16,000 members of a Facebook group called Things They Didn’t Teach Us in Seminary.
While I had an excellent seminary experience, I did not learn about every possible ministry experience. And, I certainly wasn’t required to take a course or even complete a project about ministry during a pandemic.
Just a few weeks ago, no one imagined schools closing for multiple weeks and no one used the terms “social distancing” or “COVID-19” in everyday conversation.
Worship Goes Virtual
Today many local congregations canceled on campus worship experiences in response to requests to cease large gatherings (the latest CDC bulletin discourages all gatherings of 50 or more people). Some experimented with virtual worship for the first time. Other congregations that regularly live-stream worship changed the format, time or other elements of worship to better engage virtual participants.
This morning I was able to pop in and out of online worship experiences held by congregations in multiple states affiliated with multiple denominations. At noon, I participated in virtual worship with Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ.
So What?
I’m encouraged that so many congregations developed virtual worship opportunities in a matter of days. I applaud the innovation, creativity, and authenticity of these new expressions of worship.
I’d love to hear what your congregation did this week, and how that experience is informing plans for worship in the weeks ahead.