South Delta churches are living in a new reality as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, one that includes everything from virtual worship services to expanded pastoral outreach.
Pastor Danny Stebeck at Lighthouse Church in Ladner said last Sunday’s service was streamed on the church’s YouTube channel.
“Based on the number of views, it would appear that it was one our best ‘attended’ services,” Stebeck said.
He said some tuned in while still in their PJs, where others got dressed up and acted like they were still going to church. Stebeck said the service received about 100 views on Sunday but as of Friday that number had climbed to 260.
Stebeck said he sent an email to all South Delta pastors encouraging them to get parishioners to do a prayer walk in their neighbourhood.
“I have had a good response to this and many are planning on heading out on Sunday at 3 p.m.,” Stebeck told the Optimist. “We want to be very respectful on the precautions our governing authorities have set in place but I don’t see any harm in going for a walk. We will be reminding them to practice social distancing.”
Rev. Robin Ruder Celiz, rector at All Saints Anglican Church in Ladner, said the parish office was closed to all visitors, groups and gatherings as of Wednesday.
He said the church was recording its first online service Friday, which will be broadcast late Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. The service will be available via YouTube as well as on the church’s Facebook page and website.
Looking at the positives, he said it’s an opportunity to embrace different technology that could enhance the ministry in the months ahead.
Celiz said a lot of his time, and that of the church’s pastoral care team, is being taken up by phoning people and seeing how they are holding up.
Pastor Andreas Basson said Pneuma Church in Ladner went online last week as the safety of the congregation is paramount.
He said the church’s offices are still open during the week to assist people wherever they can.
“We hope to be the light and a beacon for those who feel alone and in the dark,” said Basson. “We love people and will help and do whatever we can to make sure people will get through this.”
In a Facebook post, Ladner United Church encouraged members of the congregation to watch the livestream of Highlands United Church from North Vancouver, saying it’s an opportunity to worship together as the wider church through a platform that will reach congregations all across Canada.
Ladner United has developed a phone tree to reach out to every person in the congregation to ensure they stay connected to the community. The church is also connecting those who are able to pick up groceries, medications and more for those who are unable to do so at this time.
All masses are cancelled at Sacred Heart Parish, including daily mass in the chapel and all weekend masses in the main church.
