So What Faith

Greg Smith

Pandemic Regathering: 8 Experiences (#1929)

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When I first learned about COVID-19, I had no idea what to expect. In March 2020 when in person gatherings of all kind were discontinued, I never imagined it would be more than a year before I would next set foot in a sanctuary to worship alongside other followers of the Way of Jesus (I even blogged about the extended wait in posts like 6 Months Without In Person Worship and 10 Months Without In Person Worship).

The First 8 Weeks

My journey back to indoor worship and to intentionally gathering with other disciples started in mid-March. Since mid-March, I’ve been blessed to participate in the life of eight congregations located in Fort Worth or Dallas:

Rather than recount each experience in detail, I’ll offer one meaningful memory of each. (For details on how these congregations implemented COVID-19 safety protocols and general worship changes check out Reopening for in Person Worship: 5 Congregations.) 

St. Stephen Presbyterian

Since this was my first experience, I had no real point of reference.  And, since this was such a milestone for me, I wrote about it at length in First Indoor Worship Service in a Year.

As I reflect back on this service, I recall how the thoughtful planning enabled a worship experience that had much in common with what I’d experienced when I visited the congregation before the onset of the pandemic. In a world where nothing was quite “normal,” this service of worship offered a glimpse of a hope-filled next normal.

First United Methodist Church

While this was the only congregation that utilized a registration system that allowed me to choose where I’d be seated with considerably specificity, what I remember most is the sacrament of baptism.  

The extended family of the children being baptized sat on the front row, and showed their support while remaining seated along with the rest of the congregation.  Only the parents and girls being baptized rose and participated in close proximity to the pastor.  After the baptism, the pastor had the girls stand on either side of him and hold his hands as he presented them to the congregation.

University Christian Church

The message is the most memorable component of this experience. 

The senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Russ Peterman, based his Palm Sunday sermon on The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Final Days in Jerusalem by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan.  

Regular followers of this blog likely know how important those authors have been to my journey of faith, especially Marcus Borg.  Notably, the last sermon I preached on Palm Sunday also relied on The Last Week: Parade Participants.

Arlington Heights United Methodist

This was the only weekday service I attended. 

Communion is the most memorable component of the experience both because of its significance in the Maundy Thursday service and because it was the first and only congregation I visited to offer elements packaged by the congregation (rather than commercially packaged elements).

Cathedral of Hope

This was the congregation’s second in person service, but first Sunday service.  What I remember most is the celebratory nature of the experience and pervasive joy that started in the check-in line and continued throughout the service.  

And, a close second for a lingering memory is the opening song.  I was surprised to see that rather than in person musicians, the song was a recording with the video played on screen along with recorded audio.  Just as the surprise was turning toward disappointment the singers entered the sanctuary with microphones in hand, walked to the chancel, and finished the song to considerable applause.

Central Christian Church

This was the only church I visited for a reason other than indoor worship.  The congregation held its final worship service the week before, concluding 158 years of ministry (see Central Christian Church: Concluding 158 Years).

I attended an outdoor picnic alongside those who had been a part of this community of faith over the years.  What I remember most about the picnic is reconnecting with people I’d not seen in 20 years.  And, what I remember most about the congregation is the support and encouragement they provided me in my first call after graduating from seminary.

First Presbyterian Church

New beginnings is the most memorable component of this experience.  While it was the congregation’s second Sunday to offer indoor in person worship, it was the first Sunday since after the new Senior Pastor and Head of Staff, Rev. Dr. Brian Coulter, started his ministry.  (For more on that check out New Beginnings at First Presbyterian.)

Broadway Baptist Church

This experience happened only a few hours ago.  I think, however, my thought on what is most memorable will continue to be my choice well into the future: the message.  

Senior Pastor, Rev. Ryon Price, preached on inclusivity.  More particularly, he called on his congregation to change their bylaws to more openly welcome followers of the Way of Jesus from other denominations who seek membership at Broadway.  In a time when denominations can be a stumbling block for many, Price suggested that his congregation could lead the way by serving as an ecumenical Protestant Christian congregation in the Baptist tradition. 

So What?

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed and continues to change how churches gather safely. And, it continues to offer a unique opportunity for congregations to accelerate change. 

I’d welcome hearing a little about how your congregation has reopened or is planning to reopen for in person worship, education, and service.