Dear friends,
Loving. Connected. Inclusive. Safe. These are the values we articulated as we began to plan our return to in-person worship. These values have shaped the layers of protection we have put into place. They have shaped our commitment to offering Zoom options for our services.
Staff members, especially Rick and Nicola, have been working extremely hard to find the best ways to livestream our services. They are experimenting with the right combination and placement of microphones to enhance sound both in person and on Zoom. They are sorting out where to plug things in, how to position the camera, how to ensure the optimal internet connection. They hope to create a system they can ultimately teach to a team of volunteers so they can occasionally go on vacation!
When we were all worshipping with Zoom from our homes, we developed some creative ways to strengthen our connection. We chatted Passing of the Peace and Celebrations and Concerns. We had congregation members film themselves offering a scripture reading or a welcome, or come on live to participate in the liturgy. We created slide shows with photographs contributed by our members. We offered music recorded by our musicians. We invited children to turn on video and audio for the Words with the Young People. We went into gallery view for communion.
Now that we are back in the sanctuary, we have a new challenge: how to help those in the sanctuary and those on Zoom feel like one congregation. We’ve tried a few things: reading aloud the chat during the Passing of the Peace, being careful to repeat spoken prayer concerns with the name of the person lifting them up. What is missing is a way for us to see one another, and a way for people on Zoom to participate in leading worship.
In meetings of the Phasing Forward Team, the Chancel Committee, the Diaconate and the staff, we have been exploring the possibility of installing “digital banners.” This would involve moving our beautiful fabric banners to side or back walls, and placing TV screens on either side of the chancel. When not otherwise in use, the screens would have images that highlight seasons or themes relevant to worship (they could even have photographs of our favorite fabric banners). During the service, they could be used to enable congregation members who live far away to participate in the service—reading scripture, offering a piece of music or a greeting, leading a prayer. They could also enhance worship with slide shows or other visual images.
Two years ago, I would have been reluctant to consider screens in our sanctuary. I associated them with worship as entertainment. After a year of Zoom worship, my perspective has shifted. I experienced the way we used audio-visual technology in the service of building sacred community connection. I trust we would continue to use it to enhance worship and bring us together.
The Phasing Forward Team and the staff would love to hear your perspective. What concerns and questions do you have? What hopes do you have? You are invited to join in a Listening Session on Wednesday, January 5 at 7:15 p.m. on Zoom.
I hope you will join us as we consider ways to live our values in the new year.
Peace,
Debbie