Churches keep congregations connected through technology

Bonnie Morris
Posted 3/31/20

MENDOTA – Resilience can be described as the ability to roll with the punches even in the midst of great adversity and to find a way to keep functioning despite the stress one is feeling.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Churches keep congregations connected through technology

Posted

MENDOTA – Resilience can be described as the ability to roll with the punches even in the midst of great adversity and to find a way to keep functioning despite the stress one is feeling.

When Illinois residents were ordered to stay at home temporarily due to the spread of COVID-19 two weeks ago, their way of life was transformed in ways most people never imagined and managing that stress was put to the test. In Mendota, and throughout the state, resiliency has not only been displayed by schools, businesses and individuals, but also by churches.

With churches unable to hold in-person services during this time, many local pastors quickly began embracing technology to help church members keep a safe distance while still connecting with each other. Rev. Susan Presley, pastor of Mendota First Presbyterian Church, has live streamed Sunday worship for the past two weeks and was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. “We usually have 30-60 people attend church, and the first week we had over 350 on live stream,” she said. “We’re really excited about the possibility of technology.”

For the second week of their live stream service, First Presbyterian was able to add music performed by pianist Peggy Etheridge and soloist Jeni Roether. “They were great,” Presley said. “We did get the music part of it down pretty well. There’s still a learning curve, but by the time this is over we’ll all be pros!”

Although many church members are older and may have been afraid to embrace technology, that is changing. In addition to live streaming their Sunday service, First Presbyterian is holding prayer meetings on Zoom, which Presley said is very easy to use. “You can use it on your phone, iPad or computer or you can just call in and not have video,” she explained. “Except for one person, all those taking part in the first prayer meeting were over 60 and they thought it was wonderful to ‘meet’ and because of technology we were able to do that.”

Presley noted that two of the ladies who live in a nursing home were especially grateful to “see” everyone because they are not able to leave their residence at all. “We’re having to learn new things,” Presley said. “It’s not perfect and we’re working out the kinks, but this offers possibilities for us now and into the future. It’s time we kicked it up a notch and be willing to do things a little differently.”

For now, that means worshipping differently. “I’m sending out a lot of e-mails to church members, giving them news and updates on what’s happening and I think they appreciate that,” Presley said.

As for Easter and Holy Week, in-person gatherings for worship or other activities are unlikely. “One pastor suggested that when things are ‘back to normal’ again, we will celebrate Easter at that time,” Presley noted.

All of First Presbyterian’s Sunday services are available on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fpcmendota/ .

“Right now, I’m just so grateful for technology,” Presley added. “If we didn’t have that, this would be so much worse.”

Rev. Mary Bohall, pastor at First United Methodist Church in Mendota, is also using technology to keep her congregation connected. Bohall posts daily content on Facebook, a daytime video for adults and a bedtime story for kids in the evening. They also have a virtual service on Sunday morning on Facebook and YouTube (Mendota First United Methodist).

Bohall said she is not sure how many people are watching, because the statistics on Facebook are inflated. “But I’ve gotten messages on Facebook from people who thanked me and some have sent pictures of their kids participating in the bedtime story,” she noted. “This is all brand new for us, we have never done this before.”

Because not everyone at First UMC has internet service, they also send printed copies of sermons by mail. In addition, the church sends cards and makes phone calls to help people stay connected. “I found that people who don’t come to church regularly are now engaging with this format,” Bohall said of the online services. “So, we may see some new faces at church once this is over.”

Bohall acknowledged that there is some anxiety among people she has talked to, but she also found that people are checking on each other, even though it is not face to face.

The First UMC office is closed for now, but Bohall can be contacted via Facebook message, by e-mail at rev.marybohall@gmail.com or by phoning her at (815) 718-2191.

St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mendota is holding virtual Sunday worship on Zoom. St. John’s posted on Facebook: “The first week was well-attended with nearly 60 users logged in. Despite a few technical glitches, it went very well and we found it to be a great way for our St. John’s family to stay connected. Hope to see you all next Sunday!” Instructions for viewing the service on a computer, tablet or smart phone or to participate by phone (no video) are posted on their website at stjohnsmendota.org.

Victory Baptist Church in Mendota livestreams their Sunday service at www.facebook.com/vbcmendota/ . Sermons are also posted on their website vbcmendota.com.

Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mendota suggests viewing a Sunday Mass at 9:30 a.m. on WGN-TV Chicago or on EWTN television and radio, https://www.ewtn.com/.

Diocese of Peoria Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C., issued a letter on March 23 stating that “the suspension of public worship will continue through Easter Sunday.” Beginning with Palm Sunday and continuing through Easter Sunday, these events will be streamed live through the diocesan website at www.cdop.org. A specific schedule will be announced later.

The Bishop continued, “It won’t be the same as being together in person but it enables us to be united in ways that the current times make possible. I ask your prayers for me and for your priests. Please know that l am holding you close to my heart and I am praying for you daily.”