Pastor Scott and I had a vision and a plan. On March 1, 2020, I began my work as Online Minister at Christ Lutheran’s 4th campus, 4th expression, Christ Online. We had a three-part plan; Engagement during Sunday Morning Worship, a Mid-Week Bible Study especially for those folks in the online space, and an In-Person Fellowship option, for those living in concentrated geographical areas around us.

Two weeks later, we were unable to worship in person. At all. Suddenly, Christ Online became the lifeline for the Church for all of us. And I’ve been so amazed by God’s hand in this process. I started a crash course in Online worship and Online engagement.

Now, 14 months later, I’m feeling very comfortable with online worship. My Sunday morning chat team is growing (and looking for more help if you feel so moved). Our Family Ministry team is gearing up for our second (with the hybrid option) virtual Vacation Bible School. We’re welcoming in our second class of New Members that attended their new member classes through Zoom. Most of our classes have a hybrid option so those near and far can join in comfortably.

And, it’s time to start thinking about the post-COVID future of this campus. I’d love to get your feedback on what YOU think the future of online ministry should include, and you can reach out to me anytime at awilliams@christelca.org.

My vision is for us to return to those original ideas, to beef up the online Bible Study class offerings, to add even more opportunities for those who will never be able to physically cross the thresholds at any of our physical campuses, and to continue to foster those relationships so that we all feel at home, even if we’re far apart.

As things begin to open up more and we all feel comfortable returning to some of the things we saw as “normal” prior to COVID, I’d like to revisit the idea of in-person fellowship gatherings. What’s it going to look like? I don’t know! But I’m excited to see the way that God is going to lead my ministry, OUR ministry, of Christ Online.

Join me! What can you do to help further this campus’s growth? When you’re unable to worship in person, join me online at Christ Providence (9am and 10:45am for the Summer months); Christ Concord(10am), and Christ South (10am). When you join me in that space, like the live feed, share the video, and comment and interact with those of us worshiping together! Also, keep an eye on our Social Media accounts as you feel led throughout the week, and engage with us there.

I’ve been a proud and connected in-person member of Christ Lutheran Church for the entirety of my nearly 40 years, and this “job” that I see as a calling has opened my eyes and stretched me in areas I haven’t exercised much in the past.

I pray that the Online experience has touched each one of you as it has me. If you have ideas or specific requests, you know where to find me! At Christ Online!

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