"The church is not about a place where you gather - brick and mortar. It's about the connection to one another and ultimately to God," said the Rev. Jimmy Smuda, pastor of Trinity Assembly of God (AG) Church in West Chester when describing online worship that is taking place while churches are closed.
Like other churches, Trinity AG is currently offering live streaming of its Sunday service as well as online Bible devotions, prayer nights and more. All are invited to participate; it is not necessary to be a member of Trinity AG to join the programs.
So far, the online offerings have been well received by the congregation. "It's been encouraging to see," said Smuda. "Not just at our church, but all of our pastors from the local area have done a fantastic job connecting to their people."
Smuda said that worshipping together is especially important during this challenging time. "Just like history shows, Christians really do stand their strongest in times of difficulties," Smuda remarked. "It tends to be during crisis that we always rise to the occasion to show who we really are. That's the positive we try to find in this whole thing."
He said that when people are struggling, faith can provide comfort. "I don't know why this is happening," Smuda shared. "What I do know is that my faith is what I put trust in - something higher than myself. We are promised through Scripture that no matter what, He is with us and that is where our comfort has to come in."
Trinity AG will host an online Easter service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 12. "We will gather at the church - just myself, two other staff members and the worship leaders," Smuda noted. "There are about six of us in the room, and we will try to be creative. We are trying to put together a performance - a livestream (Easter) re-enactment."
Trinity AG is also offering online programs, including Trinity Youth, a Google hangout with Keston Shook, youth director, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at noon; Trinity Kids, a Facebook Live program with children's pastor Craig Dunaway on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6 p.m.; Trinity Family, Facebook Live devotions nightly at 7 p.m.; and First Wednesday Prayer on YouTube Live at 7 p.m.
"We recently did (an online) Trivia Night. We had over 1,000 comments in real time," Smuda noted.
Drive-By Prayer is offered on Friday mornings. As part of the program, Trinity AG staff members will visit the homes of congregation members at their request. Residents are welcome to open the front door to say hello and join in prayer while maintaining the required social distance.
Smuda noted that on a recent Friday he visited the home of an elderly couple that has not left the house since the pandemic started, and they were excited for the visit. "It goes to show you God has not designed us to be alone," Smuda said. "God has designed us for community and togetherness. People miss that."
Individuals may access the Easter service and other online programs at http://www.trinityag.org or http://www.facebook.com/TrinityAGWC. For more information, readers may contact Smuda at pastorjimmy@trinityag.org.
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