LCC congregations vs. the “New Normal”

CANADA – The term “New Normal” has been tossed around a lot lately in light of the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. So what does this “New Normal” look like? Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) congregations have been responding to the circumstances at hand, and a few have shared with us what the “New Normal” looks like for them!

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Regina, SK)

The sanctuary at Good Shepherd Lutheran, populated with stuffed animals and photos of the congregation to keep the church staff company on Sunday mornings.

REGINA – At Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Dcn. Amanda Hastings has been using Zoom for mid-week children’s lesson and small groups, and is encouraging families to use the Bible App for Kids. Their youth group has been meeting weekly using Twitch and Zoom, as well as Jackbox games on Friday evenings. “We definitely weren’t using technology to the full extent that we could have prior to this state of emergency, but now we are realizing all of the opportunities that we have missed,” she says. “In a way, it is helpful to have this period where people are forgiving of mistakes while trying new technology, because when the time comes, we can integrate a more polished version of these technological endeavours with the ministries that we normally offer.”

The church staff record a weekly podcast on the readings for the week, and continue to maintain the usual order of worship, as they felt that “people were desperately in need of a church service in its entirety, even if they couldn’t physically be there.” As social distancing has continued, a congregation member who was feeling badly that Rev. James Chimirri-Russell was preaching to an empty sanctuary filled the pews with stuffed animals, which then sparked a new initiative where the congregation was invited to send in photos of themselves to have placed in their usual spot in the sanctuary.

A congregation member who was feeling badly that Rev. James Chimirri-Russell was preaching to an empty sanctuary filled the pews with stuffed animals, which then sparked a new initiative where the congregation was invited to send in photos of themselves to have placed in their usual spot in the sanctuary.

The way the congregation has been coming together in this time is a valuable reminder of the importance of both the relationship between us and God and with each other as the body of Christ.

With notes from Dcn. Amanda Hastings

Holy Cross Lutheran Church (Kitchener, ON)

Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kitchener, ON.

KITCHENER, Ont. – Dcn. Lenora Walden at Holy Cross Lutheran Church has been posting challenges for youth and families on her Instagram account, and spends time being available via video chat for people who want to check in.

Her encouragement to those struggling to find meaningful ways to reach out is that “even if it feels like you are talking into the void or just talking to yourself, they see you and they hear you, even if they aren’t responding directly to what you are saying. Knowing you are there is a huge comfort, even if they won’t say that to your face.”

Youth group continues with weekly Zoom hangouts and games, and the Bible study on Sunday morning is working through the history of the early church. Sunday school continues in the home with emailed lessons, and adults have fellowship time in small groups on Zoom. Keeping the church connected is important!

With notes from Lenora Walden 

Trinity Lutheran Church (Fisherville, ON)

The cross at Fisherville on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Photos by Tricia Miller.

FISHERVILLE, Ont. – Despite churches being required to close their doors due to COVID-19 restrictions, Trinity Lutheran Church witnessed to the community during Holy Week by setting a cross on the front steps, appropriately decorated for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. The cross was made by members Bob and Joanne Kiefer and decorated for each day by member Tricia Miller.

Rita Rickus

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How has your congregation been responding to the “New Normal”? Story submissions about your local Congregation, Circuit, or Region can be directed to Michelle Heumann, Regional News Editor.

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