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, including Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Coatesville. The church's 10:30 a.m. Sunday service can be viewed at http://www.facebook.com/luthgoodshep.
Hopewell United Methodist Church in Downingtown is offering online weekend worship services, daily devotions and a virtual coffee hour via Zoom. More information can be found at http://www.hopewellumc.org.
Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester is live streaming worship services on Sundays at 9 and 11:10 a.m. and also on Wednesdays at 9:10 a.m. To access live streaming, readers may visit http://www.westminsterpc.org or http://www.facebook.com/westminsterwpc.
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.
Virtual worship is being offered by Glen Moore United Methodist Church. To access the services, readers may search for "Glen Moore United Methodist Church" on Facebook.
Other local churches that are offering online services on their websites include the following: Calvary Fellowship Church in Downingtown, http://www.cfdowningtown.com; St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Exton, http://www.stpaulsexton.com; St. James' Episcopal Church in Downingtown, http://www.stjameschurch.ws; Living God Lutheran Church in Honey Brook, http://www.livinggodchurch.org; Grace Covenant Church in Exton, http://www.gracecovenantepc.org; Marsh Creek Community Church in Lionville, http://www.marshcreekchurch.org; St. Elizabeth Parish in Uwchlan, http://www.stelizabethparish.org; Olivet United Methodist Church in Coatesville,www.olivetumc.org; St. Joseph Parish in Downingtown, http://www.stjosephrc.org; and Gateway Church in Parkesburg, http://www.gtwy.church.
Churches and faith communities that would like their online services published in the Community Courier may email the details to ffulton@engleonline.com.
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