Tips for Online Worship

Beloved Epworth Community,

We look forward to "seeing" you for online worship with Epworth this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. It was a gift to be together online for worship these past couple weeks. We've learned so much pulling together both spoken and musical contributions from different members of the Epworth family along with a prayer time with live reactions.

Here's what we would like you to know for this Sunday:

• We will again "gather" on our Epworth UMC - Berkeley Facebook page for worship this Sunday at 10am. You do not need to have a Facebook account to watch online worship. Simply go to this link on Sunday morning and scroll down to find online worship. If you are prompted to log-in or create an account, you can just click "Not Now."

• You can also watch the recording of the service on our homepage at epworthberkeley.org shortly after the broadcast concludes.

• Don't just watch... Worship. Consider ways you might create sacred space in a room or your home for being in online worship together. Be fully present! You can't feed your body by watching other people eat, and you can't feed your soul by watching others worship. Make this a spiritual time by singing, praying, and reading the word aloud. Most importantly, listen for God's voice and respond in faith to what you hear.

It was inspiring for many to connect while apart through the comments and reactions on Facebook. Pastor Brian and I will be online on Sunday at 10am for worship Sunday; you’ll see our reactions to each of your posts! We LOVE the engagement and hope to creatively amplify this going forward.

As many have noted, social distancing does not mean social isolation. As humans, we are fundamentally created as inter-connected beings. Epworth's "Do Good" Team can help you navigate devices and technology. And the "Stay in Love with God" Team can help meet your spiritual needs - be it prayer or pastoral care or just a warm, friendly voice on the phone. Keep reaching out, and know that God reaches back! I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Kristin