How to Assemble Together When We Can't Assemble

This word came to us on Tuesday (3/17): “We, as the elders of the church, have made the decision to cancel all assemblies of the church for the next two weeks, or until further notice.” 

We are not alone. Since receiving that message, both state and local government have banned meetings of more than ten people. In my lifetime nothing like this has ever happened. We, as Christians, are having to re-think how we will remain a united family, a strong body, an obedient church, even while distancing ourselves, physically. 

Many churches will be live-streaming their Lord’s Day worship service, which will give members the chance to hear the same message, pray, sing and take communion, all of one mind and all at the same time, though in their individual homes. Our congregation will be providing a pre-recorded sermon, though not live-streamed.

Dan and I have decided to participate in the live-streaming worship service of the Memorial Church of Christ, in Houston, which is Chris, Kelsey, Clara and Robert’s home congregation. In an unusual sense, we will be worshipping together with our kids and grands as they, too, participate in the same service.

I can’t help but believe that Jesus’ words from Matthew 18:20 - “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” - is a promise to us, no matter how we manage to gather together in these strange and difficult times.