There’s an app for everything these days.
I can count steps, count beats with a metronome, find my way somewhere, watch a video, send an email and take a photo on one small device. The same device can even make phone calls and send text messages. You can even read the Bible, pray with an app and go to church online.
Technology has given us ways to connect with each other over long distances without going anywhere, and precious opportunities to learn and understand each other.
Covid-19 forced us all to do more on-line, and the churches found themselves living what they have long preached – that the church isn’t about buildings, but about people and community.
If you looked for worship online during lockdown, you might have found Latin mass, happy-clappy praise, traditional hymns and prayers, sermons, spiritual reflections, Quaker meetings, choral evensongs, mosque, temple and synagogue services live-streamed or on Zoom.
You might have found services with signing, BSL or Makaton included.
There are still great opportunities to “attend” church with distant family and friends, or simply to drop in as observers, without commitment and perhaps even without anyone else knowing; getting out of bed and getting dressed strictly optional.
I hope those online opportunities don’t disappear now that congregations are back in their buildings; church on a Sunday morning doesn’t work for everyone. At the same time, if you ever feel inclined to visit your local church in person, you will be very welcome (silent phones appreciated!).
Kim Tame, from Wokingham Methodist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
