This Easter a whole new meaning is being brought to religious tablets as churches across the Sunshine Coast turn to online platforms to reach their congregations during the holiest week on the Christian calendar.
“It’s a whole new ball game for us,” said Matt Rowan, pastor at Christ the King Church in Gibsons, who is preparing to live-stream his Good Friday and Sunday services.
Since mid-March, gatherings of more than 50 people have been prohibited by B.C. public health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. On April 2, Henry acknowledged the many religious celebrations occurring this month, including Passover, Ramadan and Easter, and encouraged groups to connect virtually and to devise ways “to support people in practising their faith without having to have in-person gatherings.”
Normally, Christ the King Church gathers with four other evangelical congregations on Good Friday, with an attendance approaching 300. But for the first time, that won’t happen. “It’s devastating,” said Rowan. “To not gather and have that sense of community leaves the folks that attend our church with a real loss,” he said.
On Good Friday in Sechelt, four churches normally meet for a joint service at Raven’s Cry Theatre. Instead, this year each church is expected to stream its own service to people at home. “We want to honour what’s being asked of us and do our best to flatten the curve here as well,” said Crossroads Church lead pastor Joel Defries. Still, he said, “it hurts when you can’t gather.” Added to this year’s disappointment is the postponement of two baptisms at Snickett Park planned for this Sunday – which would have been a first for the church.
Not every church has the capability of live-streaming.
“Our Holy Family Parish has been affected dramatically by the coronavirus pandemic,” Father Vincent Nguyen told Coast Reporter. “Most of them are quite upset with the situation. They are frustrated.”
All public masses have been cancelled, but because Nguyen doesn’t have live-streaming capabilities, he is performing his regular service behind closed doors. “The fact that Catholics are not able to receive Holy Communion is very sad for us,” he said.
So instead, this Easter he has encouraged the 150 families that make up his congregation to watch the live-streaming of mass performed by Archbishop Michael Miller at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Vancouver.
Even for those going digital, the solution isn’t perfect.
Defries acknowledged that virtual sermons can still pose a barrier for people without internet access or who don’t feel comfortable with the technology.
But those facing challenges appear to be in the minority.
Online engagement has surged, said Rowan. “We actually see our reach into the community growing through this, and I think that’s happening for all churches.” His congregation now uses virtual conferencing software to hold prayer groups. And now that the technology is in place, they intend to maintain it, even after the pandemic. “Our reach is greater by doing this and our ability to share Jesus with people is greater through this, so we are planning to continue live-streaming from here on in.”
As for this weekend, Defries is opting to pre-record sermons in a studio he built in his garage, so he can interact online with church members on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Rowan will be live-streaming a sunrise service from Gospel Rock, in addition to a 10 a.m. service on Sunday.
And at least one Christ the King member will likely be tuning in from home. A 93-year-old member – the oldest person at the church – has recently acquired a tablet.
