Models of faith connection during COVID19

Well, it has happened. As of today, indoor gatherings of over 100 people are banned (although there are exemptions).

So, how do we engage with each other and the proclamation of the gospel during such a time of crisis?  Worship is important, but we know that it’s bigger than Sunday morning. Worship is God coming to us (incarnationally) to heal, equip, empower and encourage us in our day-to-day mission! God continues to come and be among us.

Here are some suggestions.

1. Communicate
   1. Share with your faith community a plan for ongoing engagement. This may include…
      1. Mobilising people to make regular electronic or phone contact with others. This is especially important for people who live alone.
      2. Begin an online church group using Skype, Facebook or other social media platform
2. Worship
   1. While the LCA and LCAQD Bishops will post information about worship, here are some additional thoughts.
      1. Have the pastor record the message online. This could then be uploaded onto the social media platform for people to watch at home.
         1. Suggestions on how to do this can be found at https://www.dummies.com/social-media/facebook/how-to-upload-video-to-facebook/
         2. Alternately, access LCA streamed sermons from
            1. https://livestream.com/luthworship
            2. http://www.lifeway.net.au
            3. http://www.ipswich.church
         3. There may be other LCA congregations who have recorded either video or audio sermons available, for example
            1. https://ipswich.church/sermon-elements/
            2. http://www.gracespace.info/
            3. https://www.stjohnsunley.lca.org.au/sermons
      2. Provide discussion sheets: In order to create engagement with the message, provide discussion sheets related to the message that can draw people into a deeper space of shared story and co-learning
3. Connect as small groups from home
   1. through telephone conferencing – most smart phones have the capacity to add multiple callers
      1.  https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/smartphones/droid/how-to-make-a-conference-call-on-an-android-phone/
      2. https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/smartphones/iphone/how-to-make-a-conference-call-on-your-iphone/
   2. through the social media site of your choice
4. Mission possibilities

As followers of Jesus we are joined together through baptism for the purpose of sharing the narrative of God’s love for all people.  As we enter into this time of further disruption, consider ways that might help your faith community be and show that love to others.

5. New Connections

At some point, the government will provide direction to restore social distancing to usual levels. This will be an invitation for us to re-engage in Public Worship.  Consider ways of communicating that, and even celebrating that. While the empty supermarket shelves reflect the fear and anxiety that is usually hidden but always present, the empty tomb offers life and hope!

I would love to hear of any great ideas which help to create engagement of community (even if it is an online community) during these difficult times. Ideas are good to share. David.Schmidt@qld.lca.org.au