When you’re experiencing worship through a screen, it can be really easy to tune out. We’ll let you in on a secret: worship is just as much about what’s happening in your apartment as what’s happening on screen. Worship includes your interaction with God and neighbor. Worship includes you. Here are some ways to “lean in” and make worship online more meaningful.

1. Make your sanctuary space

Many of us are spending a lot of time in the same space these days. Consider designating worship time by lighting a candle, dimming the lights, or placing a cross (it can be homemade) or a Bible on the table. Something that's sacred to you that designates we are gathering for sacred worship.

2. Read Sunday’s Gospel

We share Sunday’s Gospel on our Facebook page and in our e-letter. Take a moment to read and reflect on Sunday’s Gospel on your own before worship.

3. Connect with People

Your presence is a gift to others. And connecting with other people can brighten your worship experience too. We really encourage you to engage in the comments.

• Say good morning

• Share a prayer request

• Respond to someone else’s comment

• Respond to the sermon with a thought or question

If some “face” time is what you need, have you tried joining Virtual Coffee Hour after worship yet?

4. Sing differently

Pay attention to how you are singing during on online worship. Do you think about all the other voices rising with yours? Do you sing quietly? Loudly? Do you take advantage of being able to dance around the apartment in your PJs? Whatever you are doing is okay. But you can try new ways of singing too.

5. Pray differently

Pay attention to how you are praying during online worship. Are you adding your prayers in the comments? Are you standing? Sitting? Could you try something new? Here’s one idea: Commit to holding the prayer request of at least one other person in the comments in prayer throughout the week. You can even respond to their comment to let them know you will pray for them.

6. Give generously

We know, this tip sounds convenient for the church budget, but that’s not why we’re sharing it. The truth is, giving generously is an act of faith that can be incredibly meaningful when done with gratitude and intention. That looks different for everyone. Before the next offering comes up, think about what you can give to community and to God. Maybe it’s an extra $5 donation to our food ministry. Maybe it’s offering your time to a church activity, your community, a neighbor, or your family. It’s the act of giving that matters.

7. Commune at home

Holy Communion is a cosmic event. There is a collapsing of time and space so that in that singular moment when you receive the body and the blood, you do so with every person who ever was, is and will be, in every time and place. The internet could hardly get in the way of that, or stand between God’s love and you.

During Communion, you are invited to follow Pastor Danielle’s lead, lift up bread and wine/juice in your home, and commune when the words are spoken. Jesus is the host of this table. He made no exceptions, and neither do we. You are welcome.

If you haven’t done so yet, get some bread and wine (or juice) ready for this Sunday.