What ultimately kept us from canceling was recognizing the need that people have for human interaction — even if virtual is the best we can do. 

The number of viewers is far exceeding the typical Sunday morning attendance. This is attributed most likely to parishioners inviting friends, families, and neighbors to participated online.

On behalf of Archbishop Foley, I am writing to let you know that he and I have asked both Canon David Roseberry and Canon Phil Ashey to collect, create, and curate resources from around the church to help all of our congregations through this time. 

We could feel [our rector’s] presence. And I began to feel I was receiving what I needed spiritually and emotionally. The sense of being with her came up.

The Rev. Erin Bair propped up her laptop on a stack of cookbooks a few feet away. The impromptu additions achieved their purpose. She was now eye-level with her computer’s camera once she sat down in her arm chair at her Arlington home to begin speaking.

Some suggestions for the hunt: spoon, Bible, toilet paper, pillow, grass, remote control, family photo, deodorant, ketchup, socks, etc. The idea is to get them moving and in different parts of their house. 

Rainy days with active kids are especially difficult when families cannot venture out to a local indoor playground or movie theater. However, Truro offered families a fun distraction … singing silly songs together!

After live-streaming on Vimeo a virtual coffee-hour will be hosted on Zoom. How will everyone sip and chat at the same time?

Resurrection makes sure parishioners are prepared with a checklist (printed bulletin, Sunday school book, items for Eucharist); detailed Zoom instructions (links for all types of devices and alternate methods for joining without a computer); and tips for a better Zoom experience:

Church of the Apostles will be coming together online for daily times of prayer, teaching, reflection, and devotion.

Winchester Anglican’s Ralph Medina is not only a talented artist and great with technology, but he offers a valuable and encouraging message from Mark 4 that all ages will find comforting and everyone will want to watch!

It’s been a great way to keep connected when thousands of miles lie between us. 

We had been meeting for only two weeks, when the spread of the coronavirus called us to isolate. What should we do – cancel or try to meet using an online platform?