6 Ways to Prepare for Virtual Worship Services
By Renelle Piñero
Living Stones Reno,
We’re looking forward to being the church and worshiping together in our homes this starting Sunday. Though we are unable to physically meet in our building due to the global COVID-19 Pandemic, we still want to be mindful of “showing up” to church. To help, we’ve outlined 6 ways you and your household can prepare for worship!
This means wearing clothes you would wear to church (not in pajamas!), removing distractions (put your phone on silent and all other electronics away), and having your cup of coffee (being awake and alert). Make sure you know how to access the service from our Facebook page, YouTube Channel, or our website. If you are using a laptop, make sure it is charged or plug it in.
Lastly, take a few minutes before the virtual service begins to pray that God would prepare your heart for His message.
We believe the Bible is the Living Word of God, so just like Sundays, please
stand during our scripture reading. It might seem weird or uncomfortable to stand with a Bible in your own living room, but we want to show reverence and honor to God no matter where we are because He is everywhere!
Online giving is easily available at www.LSgive.com or Text-to-Give by texting “Livingstones Reno” and the amount you would like to give to the number 73256.
If you have already given, use the designated offering time to thank God for His provision and declare your trust in Him.
(If you happen to have the ingredients at home, we've included the recipe for the bread we typically use at our in-person gatherings on our Facebook. Otherwise, any bread or crackers are acceptable.)
Before tuning in to our broadcast, lay out your communion elements where you have easy access to it by your TV or computer. Depending on your home, this might be your coffee table, dining table, or desk, etc. We don’t want you running to your kitchen to find a piece of bread in the middle of our gathering!
week. Plan to make Sundays a priority in your home, this could include some planning on your part. If you have kids, talk to them beforehand about worshipping together at home and have a plan for them. If you have roommates who are not believers let them know you’ll be worshipping and invite them to participate with as much as they feel comfortable with. Send the link out to your family, friends and co-workers who wouldn’t usually come to church and pray that God would save them.
Remember that life happens. Any number of things may disrupt this worship time – a bad internet connection, a barking dog, a screaming kid, a phone call, etc. But we can take steps ahead of time to offset some of those interruptions. No one expects you to run a perfect Sunday gathering – and that’s okay!
About the Author:
Renelle Piñero is a Deacon at Living Stones Reno where she manages Digital Communications and assists with writing liturgy. Growing up in a Filipino-American household has given her a heart for pursuing Unity in Diversity. She also contributes to the Art team regularly with Spoken Word poems. She can be reached by emailing renelle@lschurches.com
Living Stones Reno,
We’re looking forward to being the church and worshiping together in our homes this starting Sunday. Though we are unable to physically meet in our building due to the global COVID-19 Pandemic, we still want to be mindful of “showing up” to church. To help, we’ve outlined 6 ways you and your household can prepare for worship!
- PREPARE YOURSELF
This means wearing clothes you would wear to church (not in pajamas!), removing distractions (put your phone on silent and all other electronics away), and having your cup of coffee (being awake and alert). Make sure you know how to access the service from our Facebook page, YouTube Channel, or our website. If you are using a laptop, make sure it is charged or plug it in.
Lastly, take a few minutes before the virtual service begins to pray that God would prepare your heart for His message.
- SING TO THE LORD
- SCRIPTURE
We believe the Bible is the Living Word of God, so just like Sundays, please
stand during our scripture reading. It might seem weird or uncomfortable to stand with a Bible in your own living room, but we want to show reverence and honor to God no matter where we are because He is everywhere!
- GIVING
Online giving is easily available at www.LSgive.com or Text-to-Give by texting “Livingstones Reno” and the amount you would like to give to the number 73256.
If you have already given, use the designated offering time to thank God for His provision and declare your trust in Him.
- COMMUNION
(If you happen to have the ingredients at home, we've included the recipe for the bread we typically use at our in-person gatherings on our Facebook. Otherwise, any bread or crackers are acceptable.)
Before tuning in to our broadcast, lay out your communion elements where you have easy access to it by your TV or computer. Depending on your home, this might be your coffee table, dining table, or desk, etc. We don’t want you running to your kitchen to find a piece of bread in the middle of our gathering!
- INTENTION, NOT PERFECTION
week. Plan to make Sundays a priority in your home, this could include some planning on your part. If you have kids, talk to them beforehand about worshipping together at home and have a plan for them. If you have roommates who are not believers let them know you’ll be worshipping and invite them to participate with as much as they feel comfortable with. Send the link out to your family, friends and co-workers who wouldn’t usually come to church and pray that God would save them.
Remember that life happens. Any number of things may disrupt this worship time – a bad internet connection, a barking dog, a screaming kid, a phone call, etc. But we can take steps ahead of time to offset some of those interruptions. No one expects you to run a perfect Sunday gathering – and that’s okay!
About the Author:
Renelle Piñero is a Deacon at Living Stones Reno where she manages Digital Communications and assists with writing liturgy. Growing up in a Filipino-American household has given her a heart for pursuing Unity in Diversity. She also contributes to the Art team regularly with Spoken Word poems. She can be reached by emailing renelle@lschurches.com