Providence Church, I have missed you. I mourn not seeing you! It has been 46 days since we made the decision to move our worship services online. Forty days is a long time, particularly when you are living through an unknown, when it feels like the wilderness. But just like with the people of Israel, it is so reassuring that God is with us every single day in the wilderness. There was a moment during yesterday’s online service that I sensed the Holy Spirit’s presence in a powerful way, and I felt the Spirit drawing our church family together so close even though we are physically apart. I was so thankful for that and for you!

I want you to know that our church leadership is continually monitoring and evaluating the situation regarding returning to in-person worship. We are listening to the governor and city leaders’ guidance as well as our Bishop’s recommendations. Even though some restrictions have been lifted, a church our size cannot gather in person and maintain the level of social distancing that is still required. So for the time being we will continue our Sunday services online-only and continue to monitor the situation.

To that end, we have two exciting announcements about online worship. Beginning this Sunday our services will be streamed at 8:00, 9:15, and 10:45 am CST, and we are launching a new interactive way to worship! This new platform allows for a richer worship experience—you can connect with others, chat with a pastor, even have someone pray with you live during the service. I hope you will join me this Sunday morning at prov.church/livestream.

Not only will this be a great way for us to stay connected, we believe it will be a much better experience for those new to the church who are joining us. Many folks who feel disconnected from God and the church are joining us now and we will be able to better connect with them this way.  So, we ask for your patience and excitement as we launch something new. That’s what we do at Providence! 

As Pastor Regina said yesterday, as Providence Church you are continuing to care for the most vulnerable during this time and carrying hope, healing, and wholeness to every corner of our city. I am so thankful for you. I am praying for you.

Medical professionals and first responders, we love you, we are proud of you, and we all are praying for you!