Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:25

In 2020, COVID-19 changed the way we do church. Many congregations began to livestream services on the internet. After the COVID-19 pandemic subsided, the advantages of this technology remained: shut-ins could “attend” services, travelers logged in, and unchurched neighbors could see what church was about. Able-bodied members discovered it was more convenient to worship in pajamas at home. But watching church is not the same as going to church. Church is God’s redeemed people, participating together in worship. The inspired writer of Hebrews reminds us not to neglect meeting together. In this assembly, we encourage one another and hold each other accountable. We pray and serve together. There is hugging; there is spiritual growth. You can listen to an online sermon alone, but you cannot be the church alone. We are the church together.

Eileen Ritter
Byron Center, MI

Lord, help us to be church together — learning, praying, serving, and encouraging one another in faith. Amen.

Reflect: If you worship virtually, invite someone to watch with you.

Read: Romans 10:17 and Hebrews 10:19-25