On (virtually) going to church

 

On (virtually) going to church

 

As happened with many, my local church closed its doors and went to a fully virtual mode for several weeks to help lessen the spread of Covid-19. And so, my wife and I sat in front of a screen with other family members in their nearby home. It was better than nothing.

 

With delight we returned to physical church some weeks back, with a video feed for those unable to attend. Social distancing replaced handshakes and hugs. The harsh perfume of hand sanitiser rose like incense. Masking-up meant that people smiled only with their eyes. Even so, to be with our church family in a familiar place whose walls enshrine heritage was wonderful. It is indeed good not to be alone and we yearn for the companionship of others bearing the image of our maker who is Trinity in relationship.

 

More recently, circumstances sometimes prevented physical attendance or even from doing virtual church in company. Instead I sat, with solitude, in front of a screen. I was reminded that I am made for God and that he is for me in Christ and his Spirit. The Bible was well explained, illustrated and applied and that is good for me. And of course, private and family acts of devotion can supplement the screen and nourish the soul and our social identity. Still, something was missing.

 

Virtually watching church in solitude is not the same as going to church. For church is inherently social - a gathering of God’s people to him through the Son and in the Spirit.

 

And so, I will engage with virtual church when that is all that circumstances permit. (And I am mindful that this is all that some can do and that others cannot even do this.) But, when it is possible, I will be there with real presence, for that is better by far.