Where I live, we have been under stay-at-home and safer-at-home orders since March. It is currently July. Things have certainly been enjoyable, like more time with my family. Some things have not been as enjoyable, like the devastating effects the virus has had on people and the limitations it has placed on many of us.
I am currently working at a church. Pre-COVID, I was half-time on music and half-time in technology, mostly preparing screens for worship and updating the website and social media accounts. During COVID-19 I have been filming worship segments, editing them, and being very active on social media. I have been doing most of this from home, which has allowed me flexibility, a great thing to have with an active 6 year old at home!
The adaptation to a digital faith community has been interesting. We certainly miss seeing our friends and family in person. This is especially impactful in times of grief. We have lost, among others, two of our prominent matriarchs. It is so difficult to not be able to gather and celebrate their lives. The limitations on corporate singing have been difficult. I connect most to worship through music and the thought of not being able to sing is deeply saddening.
There are some good things, though. One is our audience is much wider. We are reaching way more people online than through traditional worship. That means the the Gospel is being heard other places, which is a great thing! Two, we as church staff and leaders have a gift of time. This allows us to reevaluate where our time, talents, and resources are spent and realign them with our mission.
We don't know how long this pandemic will last. But we do know that God is faithful and will see us through this.
Comments