With most churches suspending services and programing due to the coronavirus pandemic, Sunday mornings are now looking very different for our family. But we still want to respect the Lord’s Day and avoid treating it like any other day in quarantine.
This is one of the times when social media and technology actually make life better. Many churches are still broadcasting their sermons online, so you don’t have to miss out on a good message. If your church doesn’t have the capability to stream, there are plenty of podcasts and videos available on the web.
We started the morning with a homemade Sunday brunch and then put on some coffee and headed into the living room for church. (Our current favorite coffee is Espresso d’Oro by Dallmayr.) Mr. Handsome played a few worship songs on the guitar, and even Little Buddy tried to sing along. He provided a resounding chorus of “ba-ba-bas.”
We listened to a podcast sermon by pastor John Piper, which can be found via his ministry website or on the smart phone podcasts app. We highly recommend John Piper’s messages if your church does not broadcast sermons.
How did all of you spend Sunday morning? Let me know in the comments.
Regina
Our church was live streamed today and our pastor gave a good message. He was in the church and spoke to us like we were actually in the sanctuary.
It’s been difficult not being able to be with our church family though. ☹ We have been encouraged though to call each other and check on our elderly members to make sure they are alright.
I will be checking out John Piper’s message. Thank you Ellie.
Ellie
That’s nice that he still stood on the pulpit and preached as normal. I agree, it’s difficult not to be able to gather with fellow believers.
Ellie
Alicia Mae
I finished up my Hosea Bible study with a friend (via text 😃), listened to some worship music, and then listened to a sermon online. I’m very thankful for all the online resources that are available!
Ellie
What were the big take-aways from Hosea? It has been a while since I have studied an Old Testament book in-depth, aside from Proverbs and Psalms.
Ellie
Alicia Mae
I haven’t done an in-depth Old Testament study in a while, but it felt like we were reading Hosea at the _perfect_ time. Our big take-away: although God will bring judgment on sin, He will always bring His people back to Himself!
Ellie
Thank you for sharing! That is a great truth.
Stacey
At the church my family and I attend our pastor invited those that wanted to come and walk around the church and the town hall seven times like they did around Jericho and the walls came tumbling down while walking 6 feet apart.During the walk we were able to pray and enjoy the beautiful morning after we stood in a circle prayed and sang hymns.
Ellie
What a neat idea, Stacey!
Anonymous
We are blessed as our church is on sermonaudio.com every Sunday….bro. Mike hutsell, Harrison, AR.
Ellie
I will have to check that out. Thank you!
Ellie
Anonymous
You could have gone to the church in Louisiana that had over 1800 people attend yesterday for a service, baptisms, and a lunch. The pastor said that God will heal them if they get sick, and he will personally lay hands on someone in order for that to happen. He claims pastors must act as “first responders.”
It’s time for the local government officials, the local law enforcement, and even the National Guard if needed to shut down these big gatherings, if people defy the rules and all common sense.
Ellie
I definitely have to agree that that was not a wise idea for such a large church. I read that many donated blood as part of the service, which is wonderful, but perhaps they could have figured out a safer way to accomplish that.
Ellie
Anonymous
People could have donated blood somewhere else or somehow else. Just because they did something that seemed good does not justify letting that many people gather in one spot. That was totally foolish.
But don’t worry! Trump is going to have churches packed again on Easter, and it will be a “beautiful” thing! Or so he claims. I don’t think his staff medical advisors are on board with that idea, nor is anyone else.
Anonymous
We should want a president that is looking for how soon people will be able to resume life. Our economy simply can’t exist with hardly anyone working. There are so many people that have lost their jobs. They have to have a way to feed their families and pay for their houses/apartments. We do need to be cautious but the economic impact will cost lives as well.
Marilyn
I was able to watch a live stream of a mass. Then watched a Hallmark movie.
Ellie
Gotta love Hallmark movies! 🙂
Sami
I don’t go to church. I get up at 5 every morning to give my cat her medicine then I go back to sleep and woke up at 1 in the afternoon.. That’s what I did on Sunday.