6 Ways to Participate in Online Worship
1. Invite your friends, family, small group, and neighbours
There have been some sudden changes to our church rhythms this week in the wake of COVID-19, but that does not mean we cannot still preach the gospel and love our neighbours. Take this neat opportunity to invite your family, friends, small group, or maybe your neighbours over to worship together in the comfort of your home! Think especially of younger members and those that may not have a group to worship with, and be sure to include them in your invitations
Matthew 18:20: "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
2. Pray for the Holy Spirit
Take a moment before pressing play on the video to pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit. Use this time to center your hearts and minds on things above and prepare yourself for worship.
Galatians 4:6-7: "Because you are his sons and daughters, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir."
3. Prepare your children to participate
Talk to your children about the different format of worship and why. During the service, Pastor Liz will talk directly to the children with some directives for an activity. Have some paper and markers/crayons ready for your children to participate in a worship activity.
Luke 18:6: "Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
4. Free yourself from distractions
This worship service will feel quite different. You may notice many of the same movements and songs, but this will not feel familiar. You may feel drawn to be distracted by your phone or ipad. We encourage you not to give in! Put them out of the way, or use them to follow along with the liturgy and song lyrics by clicking here.
Galatians 5:1: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
5. Sing!
A few voices in your living room singing together will feel weird. But do it! Our desire in adjusting our worship in this way is to lead you in worship in your home. Sing along; the words are on the screen in the background or available here for your convenience.
Psalm 150:6: "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."
6. Break bread together
How often do you get to worship in a setting like this? Take advantage of it and pull that bacon out of the freezer and fire up the waffle iron! Share a lovely Sunday breakfast together and then enjoy the worship service. It is pre-recorded, so you can press play whenever you are ready to worship!
Acts 2:42: "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."