5 Steps to level up your online worship experience

These are challenging times. The news of the Corona virus is changing every hour and all of us are feeling the anxiety. Here in North Carolina, we have been asked to limit large gatherings and many, including my own congregation have made the choice to cancel in person worship services this Sunday and move them online. 

There seems to be a flurry of information going around about how to do that well from the church end of things, but I’ve been thinking about how to do this well on the homebound end. In this time of intentional isolation, it is important to seek ways to feel connected. Here are some steps you can take to participate in your online worship experience in a way that will make you feel connected.

1. Test your systems. Figure out today how to log on to the platform you will be using. If your service has a bulletin you can use, download and print it out now.
2. Decide you are going to “go to church.” I’ve heard comments like “bonus, you can worship in your pajamas.” Consider getting up and ready like you would for a regular service. You might choose more casual attire, but part of what we are trying to achieve is a sense of normal order. You will likely feel more present if you are ready.
3. Set the scene. Clear the area around your streaming device and remove distractions. You may want to have a candle ready to light. Anything that makes the space feel more worshipful to you. If you have children, consider how you will involve them.
4. If your service will involve Holy Communion, have the elements ready. Find things that bring you joy to use. In the photo you will see the challis my daughter decorated as a part of her first communion training. Is there a special challis or plate in your collection that would help you feel connected and bring you joy?
5. Consider an extra offering. Please support your congregations with your regular tithes and offerings, but consider how you can add something in this crisis time. Maybe it is an extra donation to the food pantry. Maybe it is a time commitment to help your congregation care for those most vulnerable. Ponder how you can be God’s hands in this time of crisis.

If your congregation is offering an online worship experience, I hope you are taking advantage and these tips add to your experience. If not, I invite you to join mine. We will offer two opportunities 8:30 am EST traditional service streamed from our sanctuary and 11:00 am EST a contemporary service with communion. You can find all the details here. https://www.christthekingcary.org/live

I pray we can all find the opportunities in the challenge and find new ways to be church in the world. May you stay healthy, connected, and calm.