By Chris Fortune
Local churches are finding creative ways to keep their faith communities going even as most in-person events need to be canceled.
The Rev. Mike Scully at Holy Family Catholic Church has worked to find other places where members of the church can watch televised services. Most events at the church have been canceled, and they will not be streaming any Sunday services.
“We have canceled everything except confessions on Mondays and Wednesday,” he said. “We are also working to send out a bulletin once or twice a week to update members.”
Earlier in the week, Scully posted a message on the church’s Facebook page to offer both hope and updates.
“We are living in very different times. I think we have to remember one of Jesus' most used phrases in the Gospels, which says simply, ‘Do not be afraid!’” Scully wrote. “We trust that no matter what happens and what steps have to be taken, the Lord will not leave us and will continually be with us throughout this crisis.”
At the Eudora United Methodist Church, the Rev. Ross Baker said there was not in-person worship last Sunday and that will continue this week as well.
“We seek to abide by state and national mandates while still allowing worship,” Baker said. “Social media has allowed resources and ideas to be shared easily, and we’ll find any means to have as authentic a worship experience as possible.”
The church has actively posted updates and videos on its Facebook page, including a video announcement Thursday morning that there will be an online leadership meeting Thursday night to discuss future church services. Bible studies and other events via Facebook Live and other creative means are being explored as well.
Baker is working to keep in contact with members of the church.
“It’s not the same as gathering together at the church. We are constantly thinking about how members of the church can get together and check-in on one another, whether it’s through a video or phone conference,” Baker said.
Despite being away from each other during the services, Baker said he enjoyed seeing members of the church come together in social media groups and help others by assessing the needs of the community.
The Rev. Randy Watson of Eudora Church of Christ said they haven’t made any major changes. Church services are still held, but they are taking some precautions.
“Some elderly members with health issues have self-quarantined, and we are careful about washing hands and limiting contact,” he said. “We are paying very close attention to the situation. We will likely allow a little more space between us during worship and Bible classes.”
The Rev. Jerry Mercer of Hesper Friends Church said they will close services to follow public health recommendations that no groups of 10 or more gather in the coming weeks.
The Rev. Josh Monhollon of Eudora Baptist Church is using social media to keep people involved with the church.
“What we planned to do a few days ago as a congregation has already changed to take into consideration CDC recommendations and state bans,” Monhollon said.
Services will be streamed through the church’s website at www.eudorabc.org, its Facebook page and its YouTube channel at 10:15 a.m. Sunday. The church is asking if members can host others who may not have internet access.
Monhollon said members and the community will be informed of any future changes.
“We are still in the process of discussing the direction of other activities provided by the church and will keep people posted on our Facebook page,” he said.
Although members of the Eudora Baptist Church aren’t able to gather in person at the church, Monhollon is giving them something to look forward to when they are all back together.
“We will continue to develop creative ways to minister during this time and look forward to a big celebration Sunday when we gather together again under one roof,” he said.
Reach reporter Chris Fortune at eudoratimes@gmail.com.
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