There is nothing like being in a church service. Sure, online church has been wonderful. I have enjoyed the option of hearing from my pastor in my home each week during the pandemic. It has been a blessing to sing along with my family in worship and to take a unique home communion of stale saltine crackers and fruit juice poured in medicine cups. I am grateful for what is available through online church.
However, being in and part of a live church service is simply unmatched. There is an energy in a church service that is not quite like being at home. To hear others lifting up their voices in song, clapping, or shouting brings a unique aspect to worship that lets me feel connected to both God and the people around me. Although I am not a super outgoing person, I do enjoy seeing the familiar faces at church. In addition, I love serving in our special needs ministry, teaching children about God, and working along side of fellow believers.
Photo credit: Kristina Paparo on Unsplash.com.
During online church, there are some things that cannot be replicated. In fact, it can feel somewhat isolating. There are no handshakes, greetings, or small words of encouragement passed around amongst the body. Even though I watch the online church service for my own spiritual benefit, I wonder if anyone cares if I am “present” or not. Church is not just about the preaching and singing, but also about the relationships you build with other people, which can feel missing through online services.
I cannot wait to go back to church, but it will not be anytime soon. My daughter is medically complex and falls into the at-risk category. To put her health history briefly, she sees a cardiologist for two different heart conditions and a pulmonologist for four different lung issues. For a number of reasons, our family will be avoiding situations that have substantial crowds for some time.
The idea of staying home to protect our daughter is nothing new for our family. At different times, our daughter's medical team has suggested that we conduct school at home and avoid crowds for varying amounts of time in order to minimize risks for her. With COVID-19, we will be listening to those team members again on how to safely return to those riskier parts of life.
There is something I would like to remind people as churches reopen: do not forget about the at-risk families. I know everyone is excited and grateful to be reunited in person again. As you gather together to sing and pray, please remember that not everyone is there with you. You may feel happy to return and elated that things are becoming more normal. However, there are families like mine that are still muddling through without the sense of community at church services.
I hope no one mistakes my lack of attendance as fear, indifference, or some political statement. There is only one thing I care about: my daughter’s life. Our family may have to miss several more weeks or months of live services. In a sense, we are accustomed to these sacrifices. It does not mean we are thrilled with the choice. Being an adult is making the right decision whether you like it or not.
For those returning to church, pray for families like mine. Ask God to give us more strength to sustain us through the isolation that has been happening. Reach out to help us make those connections that we cannot do from a computer screen. Please remember that your whole church body is not completely together yet.
Evana is a wife and mother of two children. Since becoming a parent, Evana has spent many hours driving to specialty appointments, praying beside a hospital bed, and learning about her children’s diagnoses. Evana is also a pediatric speech-language pathologist and serves children with autism, feeding disorders, and other developmental delays. You can connect with Evana on Twitter, Facebook, and her blog, A Special Purposed Life. You can also read more about her family’s story in her book, Badges of Motherhood: One Mother’s Story about Family, Down syndrome, Hospitals, and Faith.
