Zoom Church: a reflection

Alert level 4 this month has included two Sundays in which our congregation has worshipped ‘virtually’ by means of Zoom Technology. As 10am approached on these Sundays, Lois and I, along with the other worshippers gathered around laptop screens in our dining rooms, studies or bedrooms. Cups of coffee were prominently displayed, cats tried to intrude and dress was delightfully informal. Worship – led by Sandra – has been short, relaxed and informal and we have gradually mastered the mute buttons to avoid talking over others.

The first Sunday, I had been due to lead worship in the church and was asked to shorten the sermon to 10 minutes or so. This I did, but found it difficult to overcome the feeling that I was talking to myself. Normally, I have eye contact with people in the pews and can respond to their reactions to what I say, but when everyone is muted and invisible, that is not possible. Yesterday, Brett preached and I admired the way he spoke – slowly and as if he was in conversation with each worshipper!

‘Zoom Church’ does have advantages. Worshippers can enter and leave their computer space without disturbing others. A sudden call of nature in the middle of a church pew during a sermon, can be awkward! We are each portrayed as we are, rather than as in our ‘Sunday best’. Others can see us in our ‘natural habitat’, in our ‘patch’, rather than we all being in the neutral, if familiar, space of the church.

I remember In 1998, talking with our Anglican neighbours in Havelock North, about possibilities of isolated farmers joining in worship through their home computers; this has now become commonplace through Zoom technology. Lois and I regularly join daughter Jolene’s zoom worship in her Melbourne parish while they continue in lockdown!

I must say that I come away from the computer screen on Sunday mornings with warm feelings. It is good to see familiar faces after a week of isolation. It is also good to see people who can no longer come to church on Sundays – for example, we rejoiced to see John sitting with Lorraine in their lounge last Sunday! We can keep in touch without moving from the comfort of home. Of course, we need both sight and touch, and virtual hugs are not very satisfying. Best wishes for the week ahead.

Rev. Bob Eyles
Worship Leader and retired minister