Congregations Live-streaming Worship in Algoma
Below you will find a list of Algoma parishes live-streaming worship during the suspension of gatherings for liturgy in the province. First, though, please permit me to share a word or two for consideration as we look ahead…
The current situation in which we find ourselves trying to deal faithfully and effectively as a church in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging to say the least.
For a church that understands its common prayer, particularly the weekly gathering around the tables of word and sacrament in the Holy Eucharist, to be the primary mode of formation in the Christian life, we find ourselves on new ground trying to determine the best way(s) for us to not only stay connected, but also somehow pray and celebrate together.
While there is much from the depths of Christian tradition that can inform us, and many technologies in our own day that provide possibilities unimaginable in previous generations, we still find ourselves scrambling to respond both quickly and well. Not all past experience translates directly, and not all modern technologies serve as well as we might expect.
Over the next few weeks, I will endeavor to bring to your attention perspectives and resources that will contribute positively to our formation as disciples and enhance our practices of faith in the current context while minimizing the possibility of working against them in the long term.
I also know that people are concerned about Easter 2020, knowing that it is likely our suspension of gathering for public worship will extend through Holy Week and the Paschal Triduum (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, The Great Vigil of Easter and Easter Sunday) and into the Great 50 Day Season of Easter. I have been gathering and working on material for these days.
In addition, this afternoon (March 20) and again on Monday 22nd, I will be involved in two online consultations to address how we might observe Holy Week and the Triduum in ways that honour the current need for social distancing when congregations cannot assemble in person. These will be convened and guided by The Rev. Dr. James Farwell, Professor of Theology and Liturgy at Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS), Dr. Lisa Kimball, James Maxwell Professor of Lifelong Christian Formation at VTS. Participants will include bishops, parish clergy, liturgists, academics, and diocesan officers from across North America.
Finally (for now), we will be sure to provide an outline for parishes to celebrate across Algoma an “Easter-worthy” liturgy when we once again find ourselves assembling for communal worship.
Live-streamed Worship Possibilities Provided by Algoma Churches
It’s not possible, and perhaps not even advisable, for every congregation to webcast a Sunday Service. The struggle with technology and other considerations may indicate it is better for some churches to focus energy and resources on other ways to keep their people connected. Those congregations are invited to share in the live-streaming or video posts provided by other Algoma congregations. The following is by no means a complete list. More will be recommended in the days and weeks ahead. (If you are able, keep tabs on our Facebook page as a quick source.) However, here are some online worship offerings from parishes in Algoma:
From Bishophurst in Sault Ste. Marie
Sunday, 7:00pm – Evening Prayer, with the Service of Light
St. Paul’s, Thunder Bay
St. Paul’s is live-streaming 3 times a week.
Friday at Noon: A 7-minute Litany of Reconciliation on the church steps (outside)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/stpaulsanglicanchurch/
Saturday at 5:00 pm: Evening Prayer (BAS)
Sunday at 10:00 am: Morning Prayer (BAS)
https://www.stpaulsanglicanchurch.ca/
St. Thomas’, Thunder Bay
A weekly video recorded morning prayer, alternating BAS and BCP, will be posted to the website of St. Thomas’ Church.
Gathering Table, Thunder Bay
Gathering Table will be broadcasting a modified Morning Prayer at 10:00 am on Sundays.
http://gatheringtable.ca/services/
Click on “Streamspot”
Parish of West Thunder Bay
Morning Prayer will be available on the website each Sunday.
https://www.countrywarmthinchrist.ca/online-services
Church of the Epiphany, Sudbury
Last Saturday evening, the Church of the Epiphany in Sudbury recorded a Celebration of the Eucharist, with only Presiding Celebrant, Organist, Lector, Cantor present, posting the recording on Saturday evening at 9 p.m. The congregation plans on recording a service every weekend in the same fashion.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/EpiphanySudbury/videos/?ref=page_internal
Church of the Ascension, Sudbury
Sundays, 10:00am – Holy Eucharist (BAS)
Live stream:
Facebook – @ascensionsudbury and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbslMepqorM-F-1PIY23NdA
All Saints’, Huntsville
Sundays, 9:30am – Morning Prayer live-steamed.
https://www.facebook.com/All-Saints-Anglican-Church-Huntsville-105809411055723/
Parish of Muskoka Lakes
Sunday, 10:00am – Holy Eucharist
https://www.facebook.com/AnglicanParishOfMuskokaLakes/
Prayer in the Home or Office
In the coming week, we will post resources you can use in the home or office. In the meantime, the current situation in the Diocese provides an excellent opportunity to familiarize or re-familiarize yourself with our Book of Common Prayer and Book of Alternative Services.
Check out this previous post on our website: https://www.dioceseofalgoma.com/2020/03/17/prayer-resources-for-use-at-home/
For those interested in praying the Daily Office using their mobile phone or tablet, here are a few apps or sites to get you started. The calendar will vary from ours sometimes when it comes to memorial and commemorations, since these resources are from either the Church of England or The Episcopal Church:
https://www.chpublishing.co.uk/apps/time-to-pray
Click under “The Rule”
https://ststephenwalbrook.net/internet-church/
Finally, in addition to adding resources, I will provide an annotated and linked list of some short blogs or articles to help us think through how we might handle worship as the suspension of our usual gatherings continue. As we respond to the implications of the pandemic, it is also a time when we want to reflect pastorally and theologically so that the Body of Christ continues to be shaped into the image of Christ, and so we might serve in the world as a sign, foretaste and instrument of God’s Kingdom, now and in years to come.
As always, I remain available to receive questions and input.
Every blessing,
Jay
