Today in the Mission Yearbook - Embracing life’s twists and turns

Witness, Share and Evangelize: Today in the Mission Yearbook - Embracing life’s t...: Labyrinths grow in popularity June 30,  2022 As a spiritual director, I’m often asked about my own spiritual practices. Meditation tops my l...

Empty pews are here to stay

A hybrid world breeds worship fluidity

by Richard Hong | Presbyterians Today

Rodnae Productions/Pexels

In-person worship services are returning at various rates and with various restrictions. And while some congregations are reporting in-person attendance that’s higher than it was pre-Covid, most churches are reporting lower in-person attendance with a significant number of people attending their online services. My congregation is in that majority.

While there are many factors that go into calculating the actual number of online viewers, which we will delve into in the next column, the larger issues emerging in this hybrid landscape are worship frequency and fluidity. When we see average attendance that is half in-person and half online, we may think that the congregation is divided into two different congregations. In my congregation, though, what we’re seeing is that most of our active congregation attends in person sometimes and online other times.

We have been livestreaming since 2017, but prior to Covid, very few people watched online. Our online attendance was limited to a handful of people who were home sick that weekend or were out of town. On any given Sunday prior to Covid, people decided to either attend church or not.

Then the pandemic period acclimated our congregants to online worship. Post-Covid, attending online worship has become a fully acceptable third option. So, on many Sundays and for many reasons — inclement weather, cranky children, oversleeping — those who fully intended to come to church in person decide to attend online.

Before the pandemic, frequency of worship attendance was already declining. A frequent attender was one who attended 2–3 times per month. Now what we’re seeing is that people are attending in person once or twice per month and online once or twice per month. It would be a mistake to look at the 50-50 split between in-person and online attendance and interpret that as half the people not being interested in the in-person community that is important to the life of a congregation. Most of our people want to have an in-person experience. They just don’t need it every week. In this light, one of the roles of online worship is to maintain the sense of connection with people between the times they attend in person.

So I encourage you not to focus on how your average weekly attendance has changed, but to look at your attendance in different ways. For example, in a given month, how many of your congregants attend more than twice per month? How many are monthly? How many are fewer than six times per year? How do we communicate most effectively with them? How do we keep them engaged? Would you even attempt to adjust your messaging or programming to reach these different subgroups?

And remember: Most in your congregation are not online versus in-person worship people. They are both. Appreciating the nuances of frequency will give you a better picture of how your parishioners are engaging with your congregation and help you engage them more effectively.

Richard Hong is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Englewood, New Jersey. Have a question or request for a future column? Email him at rich@englewoodpres.org.

Looking Into the Lectionary — Worship resources for 7/3

July 3, 2022 Fourth Sunday of Pentecost Kings 5:1-14 COMMENTARY We have several puffed-up persons in our passage today suffering from some severely overly-inflated egos. I don’t think ego is always a bad thing. It refers to your sense of self and your sense of self-importance. If we had no ego, we would have no appreciation of who we are as a person. If we had no ego, we would have no real sense of what we can do nor who we are called to be as God’s beloved. But overly-inflated egos are dangerous because they tend to puff us up to the point in which we are blinded to the realities around us and always about ready to *POP!* Naaman is the first character named in our text. He is a great warrior (puff). He is the head commander of the army of Aram (puff). He appears to be in direct contact with the king himself (puff, puff). It mentions that he is held in high favor by some high-ranking folks which makes me think Naaman was a guy who enjoyed a lot of high-fives! The second character mentioned was the king of Aram. Although his name is not mentioned here, it is probably Ben-hadad (see 2 Kings 8:7). He was the ruler of the entire Semitic kingdom centered in Damascus (puff) who had servants for his servants (puff) and enough silver, gold and garments to guarantee that he should be able to buy anything he wanted (puff, puff, puff). This king assumed that writing a letter would accomplish anything he wanted. Thank you to guest writer Rev. Brian Christopher Coulter. You can find the rest of the commentary on our website. An order of worship for July 3, 2022. This liturgy is free to use. Immigration Sunday — Weekly Christian ed lesson by Joelle Brummit-Yale The Uniform Lesson for July 3, 2022, by Dana Purdom. PC(USA) church leaders react to decision to overturn Roe v. Wade IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... A toolkit for inclusion "We hope to let every church know that you do not need to be exceptional; you don’t need a big budget or limitless volunteers. You just need to listen to people with disabilities," by Deborah Huggins. Blessed Youth: Breaking the Silence About Mental Illness with Children and Teens Emily Heitzman reviews Sarah Griffith Lund's new book.  Sense of repentance grounds 11 resolutions passed by Race and Gender Justice Committee The Race and Gender Justice Committee met from June 23-25 in Louisville for the 225th General Assembly. Environmental Justice Committee affirms the strategy of selective divestment; does not support call for categorical divestment from fossil fuel companies The committee acknowledges the urgency of global warming and urges churches and Presbyterians to work towards carbon neutrality. The theology, ethics, and polity of the PC(USA) calls us to care about COVID-19 In the middle of the 225th General Assembly, how should we respond to COVID-19 in a way that prioritizes affirmation of being a Matthew 25 denomination? Gun violence in the United States and how the church is called to respond The Addressing Violence in the USA Committee meets during the 225th General Assembly.

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Minute for Mission: Season of Prayer and Reflection in the Korean Peninsula begins

Witness, Share and Evangelize: Minute for Mission: Season of Prayer and Reflectio...: June 25,  2022 KPA Launch Gwanghwamun (provided) Today, June 25, marks 72 years since the Korean War broke out. Throughout that June, skirmi...

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, June 27 and Sunday, July 3, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, June 27, 2022 - That there'll be peace between Russia and Ukraine
• Tuesday, June 28, 2022 - That we put aside our self-interest for the sake of our neighbors.
• Wednesday, June 29, 2022 - That our leaders have the courage and wisdom to confront the racial divisions within our country.
• Thursday, June 30, 2022 - That our leaders would be honest, humble and God-fearing men and women who recognize that they are accountable to God for each decision and action.
• Friday, July 1, 2022 - That people stop expressing their frustration through violence.
• Saturday, July 2, 2022 - That American put aside partisan difference so that we can address the problem of gun-violence.
• Sunday, July 3, 2022 - That God would protect our service men and women both home and abroad.

Today in the Mission Yearbook - A hymn to help voice prayers for peace

Witness, Share and Evangelize: Today in the Mission Yearbook - A hymn to help voi...: As Russia considered invading neighboring Ukraine, Presbyterian hymn-writer published ‘We Pray for Peace’ June 24,  2022 The  Rev. Carolyn W...

Looking Into the Lectionary — Worship resources for 6/26

June 26, 2022 Third Sunday of Pentecost Galatians 5:1, 13-25 COMMENTARY When an indoor shooting range and gun club opened in my rural Illinois town, I didn’t give it much thought. Guns have never been a part of my life. I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, have never been hunting, and wouldn’t trust my clumsy and anxious self anywhere near a lethal weapon. The new “Tac Shack” in town wasn’t my scene. But for others, it was. I grew curious about the Tac Shack as I noticed a trend on social media — young local moms posing for profile pics with handguns or long guns. It startled me to see moms I knew from the baseball field and basketball bleachers. Logging on to the Tac Shack’s slick website, I discovered what I suspected was the source of this new local trend — Good Shepherd Defense & Training classes for women only. “Your life may depend on it,” they advertised. The need for stricter gun laws feels more urgent than ever after the terrorizing tragedies in Buffalo, New York, Laguna Woods, California, and Uvalde, Texas. Yet, the seduction of guns, their ability to make us feel empowered, and an industry whose profits depend on us believing we have no other choice but to protect and defend ourselves with guns has an idolatrous hold on us Americans. In our lectionary text from Galatians, Paul writes about the nature of Christian liberty. In Christ, we are not freed from responsibility, not freed to do whatever we want, or freed to indulge in self-centered desires of the flesh. Rather, in Christ, we are freed for love, freed to care for, respect and cherish all lives. The cross is the symbol of this Christian freedom. Jesus did not pick up a weapon to defend himself from the violent Romans. He went to the cross. In his life, death and resurrection, the transformative power of God’s love for humankind is made known. Nothing can separate us from this love. You can find the rest of the commentary on our website. An order of worship for June 26, 2022. This liturgy is free to use. The Uniform Lesson for June 26, 2022, by Letarshia C. Robinson. Crying aloud to God — Weekly Christian ed lesson by Joelle Brummit-Yale Third Sunday after Pentecost — Family faith formation for June 26, 2022, by Rebecca Davis IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... The votes are in … The 225th General Assembly has selected its co-moderators. Disability awareness and advocacy Who have we unintentionally excluded? What barriers keep the full body of Christ from gathering and participating? Whose voices are we talking over? Whose gifts and leadership remain untapped? Juneteenth Worship Service offers reflection, inspiration and a challenge The Juneteenth worship service wove together prayers, liturgies and songs in multiple languages to reflect on racial justice and reconciliation. Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson preached on Isaiah 6. Food and faith How food can help restore our relationship with the earth and with each other. Who is our neighbor? US churches’ role regarding Israel and Palestine Peter Makari writes about the role U.S. churches play in Israel/Palestine and the difficulty of balancing interfaith relationships with advocacy. The 225th General Assembly opens with worship Gregory Bentley, co-moderator of GA 2020, preaches on “From religiosity to righteousness” to open this year's GA. Did you hear? The Rev. Dr. James Reese, a beloved Presbyterian pastor and leader, dies at age 98 — Add your own professional or personal update on our new online bulletin.

WCC NEWS: Awaiting world church leaders, South Sudanese churches hold ecumenical prayers

At ecumenical prayers in the capital city, Juba, South Sudanese church leaders called for unity, peace, and reconciliation, as their nation continued to struggle with instability and conflict, a decade after independence. Women sing enthusiastically during a worship gathering of the Presbyterian Church in Akobo, South Sudan. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/WCC 20 June 2022 The prayers on 18 June at the All Saints Cathedral in Mobil, had been organized ahead of an ecumenical pilgrimage to South Sudan by world church leaders led by Pope Francis; Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, England; and Rev. Dr Iain Greenshields, moderator of General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Pope Francis was set to travel to South Sudan from 5-7 July, where he was to be joined by Welby and Greenshields. On an Africa trip, Francis was to first arrive in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he would stay from 2- 5 July before flying to Juba, but on 10 June, the Vatican announced that the trip had been postponed. Pope Francis later regretted that he had to cancel the trip due to a painful knee. “We pray for our ecumenical leaders …that they may continue to journey together on the path of unity, peace and reconciliation to lead God’s faith people on the common journey towards unity, and may they remain united in their universal leadership of the church,” said Rev. Patrick Jok of the Sudanese Reformed Church. Analysts say a visit by the leaders to the world’s youngest nation can be a big boost to hope and unity for the people who yearn for peace after decades of war. Bishop James Lagos Alexander of the African Inland Church reminded the Sudanese people that if they were not united, there would be no church, in a sermon at the prayers centered on unity. “Unity attracts God’s favour, will bring us blessings, lead us to greater productivity and will lead us to sustainability,” said the cleric. He reminded that the people’s failure to forgive, remaining bitterness, and jealousy were the evils killing in unity. He urged them to love one another to regain unity. The churches carried out intercession and healing prayers for their nation. “Give us the grace that we may all remain one, united in the body of Christ, the church and inspired by the Holy Spirit to be faithful witnesses of the word of God and truly live the unity we receive through Holy spirit,” prayed Bishop James Lado of the Sudan Pentecostal Church in a prayer for unity, thanksgiving and repentance. In a prayer for the government and political leaders, Bishop Simon Nyamara of Christian Brotherhood Church said: “…Grant them wisdom, strength and health to rule your people in South Sudan in unity and peace…Keep them mindful of the importance of and expectation that they be men and women of integrity.” Earlier, Rev. James Oyet Latansio, general secretary of the South Sudan Council of Churches, called on all churches to join together in love, hope, peace and unity in an invite for the event. “The South Sudan Council of Churches will be honoured by your presence and prayers on this remarkable day. Thank you for all your prayers and support to enhance peace, healing and reconciliation for the people of South Sudan,” said Latansio. WCC member churches in South Sudan See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland

Today in the Mission Yearbook - Joining in the prayer of Creation

Witness, Share and Evangelize: Today in the Mission Yearbook - Joining in the pra...: Spiritual Formation daily prayer connects to the breath of God within us — and in Creation June 18,  2022 The Rev. Dr. David Gambrell encour...

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, June 12, 2022

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: Sunday, June 12, we started a new sermon series entitled “AM - Jesus in Seven Words.”  For seven weeks, we’ll focus on the "I AM" ...

Sunday's Message: I AM - Jesus in Seven Words (“I am the bread that gives life!” (John 6:35, 41-51))

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message: I AM - Jesus in Seven Words (“I ...: In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven statements beginning with the words I am. Each of these “I am” proclamations furthers our understan...

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, June 20 and Sunday, June 26, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, June 20, 2022 - That Americans be thankful for the opportunities and responsibilites we've been given.
• Tuesday, June 21, 2022 - That those in business, government and media would cherish honesty, integrity and humility.
• Wednesday, June 22, 2022 - That we resist those forces that seek to divide us.
• Thursday, June 23, 2022 - That those in business, government and media would resist exploiting human fear or greed to shape public opinion. 
• Friday, June 24, 2022 - That churches fulfill their purpose as lighthouses for Christ.
• Saturday, June 25, 2022 - That those in the arts would be open to biblical world views and principles.
• Sunday, June 26, 2022 - That we strengthen our global unity rather than casting blame and sowing divisions.

Looking Into the Lectionary — Worship resources for 6/19

June 19, 2022 Second Sunday of Pentecost 1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a COMMENTARY 1 Kings 19:9-13 offers some direction for understanding how we hear God speak to us. Elijah is a great prophet of our faith. Driven from his homeland by Jezebel’s death threats, the solitary prophet – who believes he is the only person still faithful to Yahweh – goes back to the place where his faith began. He hides in the same rocky cleft that once sheltered Moses, and there, he encounters God in a small still voice, in a voice the Hebrew describes as “utter silence.” How do we hear God’s voice? How can we find utter silence? It can be hard. We live in a world full of noise, including noise from people who declare that they have messages from God without truly listening to our Creator. Chances are that we all know people like the wind, the earthquake, and the fire. The person who is like the wind probably talks continuously. You hear their voice in every aspect of life. Those individuals are the ones who give advice and then keep giving advice even after the lesson is learned. Maybe you know a person who loves to give advice, but I declare the advice is just wind if the person does not acknowledge the presence of God and speak from the heart. The person who is like the earthquake probably moves and shakes everything. You can see the products of their handiwork. Those persons are always working to make things better sometimes to the detriment of others since they rarely have time for anyone else. Maybe you know an individual who is a mover and shaker, but I declare their actions are as destructive as an earthquake if they do not possess the love of Jesus Christ in their heart that fuels their words, actions, and deeds. Thanks to guest author Rev. Cecelia Armstrong. You can find the rest of the commentary on our website. An order of worship for June 19, 2022. This liturgy is free to use. The Uniform Lesson for June 19, 2022, by Richard Boyce. 2022 GA to consider pressures on small churches and presbyteries by Leslie Scanlon How do you pray with others in their time of need? by Kathleen Long Bostrom IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Presbyterian Outlook hosts “Meet the candidates” webinar On June 9, the Presbyterian Outlook hosted a webinar featuring those standing for moderator of the 225th General Assembly. Processing trauma through stories Joshua Kerr highlights three recent pieces of fiction that examine trauma in a helpful, accessible way. Changes to the Rules of Discipline Page McRight, who chaired the Rules of Discipline Revision Task Force, previews what edits will be suggested to General Assembly. Race, reparations and reproductive justice fill the docket for the Race and Gender Justice Committee of GA225 A preview of the Race and Gender Justice Committee for the 225th General Assembly by Beth Waltemath. GA round up: What to expect out of this year’s General Assembly Outlook national reporter Leslie Scanlon reports on what you need to know about General Assembly. Order extra issues of the #TrustBlackWomen special issue In April, Presbyterian Outlook turned over an entire issue to Black women to highlight and center the voices of these trustworthy leaders, scholars, theologians, writers and artists. Order extra copies today for just $2 per copy while supplies last. Did you hear? Mark Hinds retired in 2020 after several years of leading curriculum publishing for the PC(USA). — Add your own professional or personal update on our new online bulletin.

Copyright © 2021 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 1 N. 5th St., Suite 500 Richmond, VA 23219