As you’ve probably heard, our Sunday morning routine is going to look a little different over the next couple of weeks. Instead of getting up and getting ready, hopping in the car, and driving to King’s Chapel for corporate worship, we’ll all be gathering around mobile devices, computers, and TVs.
For most of us, this is a very new and different approach to “gathering” together to worship. Although we are thankful for the ability to meet remotely, there’s a lingering sense of loss and longing. And appropriately so. Technology is not a substitute for gospel-centered fellowship and community. It can only partially fill the void created by our temporary circumstances.
So, if there is one thing we can learn from our present circumstances, it is the preciousness of fellowshipping as family – the family of God. Let’s embrace that truth as a healthy reality of our life together. And let’s look forward to the day we can reunite physically under the preaching of God’s Word and sing to the praise of our God.
In the meantime, what can we expect on Sunday?
Paul tells us in Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” This is our intention every Sunday and will continue to be our aim as we livestream.
SERVICE FLOW
Like every Sunday morning, we will begin our time with a Call to Worship. We want the Word of God to set the tone and to propel us into worship through song.
Following the reading of Scripture, Pastor Ricky will then lead us in song. We recognize that singing in your living room may not be exactly the same as singing with the congregation. Okay, it’s not the same at all. But think of how awesome it is to know that even though we may not be in the same room, all around the Capital Region we’re still joining together to sing God’s praises. After singing together Pastor Ricky will lead us in our invocational prayer.
Pastor Chris will then bring us up to speed on what’s happening in the church during the Announcements. We may not have activities happening right now, but there are still important pieces of information we want to communicate.
After announcements, we’ll join together in singing another song. During this song, the hospitality team would typically come around to collect our tithes and offerings. Going from house to house to do that would take much longer than a song’s length. So in lieu of placing our offerings in the basket, you can give in other ways. You can find that information HERE.
Following that song, Pastor Lou will pray and preach a message from God’s Word. We will continue our sermon series “Hebrews: Jesus Is Better.”
We’ll then respond to the preached Word by singing 2 songs.
Our service will then conclude with a prayer of benediction.
Although this cannot replace our gathering together it will hopefully feel familiar and similar to the corporate worship service we’re all used to.
CONNECTING WITH ONE ANOTHER
Another major aspect of Sunday morning corporate worship is seeing and talking with each other. For obvious reasons, that isn’t possible while we are meeting via livestream. Thankfully, YouTube has a chat feature during live broadcasts so feel free to check in and say hi to one another before and after the service like on a typical Sunday morning.