While churches and other faith communities are currently not open to the public, worship is still thriving thanks to live events that are offered on websites and Facebook pages.
In addition to live streaming services, many facilities are also offering Bible studies, daily devotionals and family game nights. "The church is not about a place where you gather - brick and mortar," said the Rev. Jimmy Smuda, pastor of Trinity Assembly of God (AG) Church in West Chester. "It's about the connection to one another and ultimately to God."
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."
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."
Individuals may access the services and other online programs at http://www.trinityag.org or http://www.facebook.com/TrinityAGWC.
Other local churches are also offering online services. Church of St. Benedict in Mohnton live streams its Sunday Mass at 9 a.m. at http://www.churchofsaintbenedict.com/mass. The link becomes active 10 minutes before the Mass starts.
Hopewell Church in Elverson is offering an online ministry that includes words of encouragement, relevant teaching and worship services. To access the programs, which include content for children and youths, readers may visit http://www.hopewellchurch.org.
Brick Lane Community Church in Elverson is offering online worship services and leadership messages. To access the videos, readers may visit http://www.brick52.org/news-and-resources.
Honey Brook Presbyterian Church is live streaming its services, and pastor Bill Wisneski is offering daily morning prayers. Individuals may access the activities at http://www.honeybrookpres.org or on the church Facebook page.
Honey Brook United Methodist Church is live streaming its Sunday worship services at 10 a.m. on the church Facebook page.
Services at Conestoga Mennonite Church in Morgantown can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/user/ConestogaMennonite. For more information about the church's coronavirus response, readers may visit http://www.conestogamennonitechurch.org.
Morgantown Community Church has suspended all gatherings, but all services will be live streamed. Also available for online viewing and participating are Bible studies and life groups. To view the offerings, readers may visit http://www.morgantowncommunitychurch.org/COVID-19.
Beth Israel Congregation of Chester County is offering live streaming of Jewish services on Fridays at 6 p.m. and on Saturdays at 10 a.m. at http://www.facebook.com/BethIsraelofCC.
Churches and faith communities that would like their online services published in the Community Courier may email the details to ffulton@engleonline.com.
Leave a Review