But what happens when you cannot physically meet for worship, because of air quality, facility damages, closed roads, or otherwise dangerous environments?
Many clergy and worship directors find webcasting or live streaming liturgical resources from their home or a designated location helpful for reassuring and encouraging congregants, helping members feel connected even in troubling times, and sharing updates with one another.
Here are some examples:
- Offer guided prayers online, allowing members to interact responsively in comments sections of blogs or social media posts
- Film your leaders singing, praying, preaching, or leading lectio divina and post these films or live stream them
- Provide written instructions for how congregants can practice worship at home, including personal devotions, holiday rituals like lighting Advent or Menorah candles, and studying Scripture
Worship liturgy and rituals serve as a form of calming for many people, which is a life-saving practice in times of crisis. These practices also help congregants feel connected to a group where they find great meaning and sense of belonging. This sense of connectedness also is a proven practice for building personal and community resiliency.
If you are in an area of the country affected by natural disaster, what are ways your congregation provides for worship, particularly when your congregation cannot physically gather for a time? What practices have you found most helpful?