There is nothing like being in a church service. Sure, online church has been wonderful. I have enjoyed the option of hearing from my pastor in my home each week during the pandemic. It has been a blessing to sing along with my family in worship and to take a unique home communion of stale saltine crackers and fruit juice poured in medicine cups. I am grateful for what is available through online church.
However, being in and part of a live church service is simply unmatched. There is an energy in a church service that is not quite like being at home. To hear others lifting up their voices in song, clapping, or shouting brings a unique aspect to worship that lets me feel connected to both God and the people around me. Although I am not a super outgoing person, I do enjoy seeing the familiar faces at church. In addition, I love serving in our special needs ministry, teaching children about God, and working along side of fellow believers.
During online church, there are some things that cannot be replicated. In fact, it can feel somewhat isolating. There are no handshakes, greetings, or small words of encouragement passed around amongst the body. Even though I watch the online church service for my own spiritual benefit, I wonder if anyone cares if I am “present” or not. Church is not just about the preaching and singing, but also about the relationships you build with other people, which can feel missing through online services.
I cannot wait to go back to church, but it will not be anytime soon. My daughter is medically complex and falls into the at-risk category. To put her health history briefly, she sees a cardiologist for two different heart conditions and a pulmonologist for four different lung issues. For a number of reasons, our family will be avoiding situations that have substantial crowds for some time.
The idea of staying home to protect our daughter is nothing new for our family. At different times, our daughter’s medical team has suggested that we conduct school at home and avoid crowds for varying amounts of time in order to minimize risks for her. With COVID-19, we will be listening to those team members again on how to safely return to those riskier parts of life.
