It’s doubtful that any of us have experienced an Easter quite like this one. A day that normally sees church buildings fuller than any other Sunday of the year will, this year, see only empty seats, a lone pastor, and a camera. And millions of people accustomed to crowding those church buildings will this year sit at home on couches and easy chairs, around the dining room table, or even still in bed, watching that pastor on a TV, computer, tablet, or phone.
As you consider how, where, and even whether to participate, allow me to offer some thoughts about how to engage in ways that will be meaningful for you not only spiritually, but emotionally, physically, mentally, and relationally. (These are especially true for Easter, but important for any Sunday.)
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
As you consider how, where, and even whether to participate, allow me to offer some thoughts about how to engage in ways that will be meaningful for you not only spiritually, but emotionally, physically, mentally, and relationally. (These are especially true for Easter, but important for any Sunday.)
- Start the day as normally as possible. Get out of bed, shower, shave, get dressed, put on makeup. Whatever your normal Sunday routine is—or your normal Easter Sunday routine—follow that tomorrow. Maybe you didn’t get a new Easter dress this year, but put on your Easter best.
- If you don’t have a church you normally attend, look around today and make sure you know how to participate with their service tomorrow.
- Be ready. Have your family together when the service is scheduled to begin. Have a Bible available, whether that’s a Bible app on your phone or printed Bible.
- Engage fully. Sing along. When someone says “He is risen!”, respond with the traditional, “He is risen, indeed!” Stand when you’re invited to stand, kneel when invited to kneel, pray when a prayer is offered. Want to say “Amen” or “Praise the Lord”? Type it in the comments!
- Stay focused. Don’t try to multitask. Don’t get up to check the roast or refill your coffee.
- If the church is going to share in communion (aka the Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist), participate according to that church’s tradition. Have some bread, and either juice or wine, ready.
- Participate expectantly! God shows up in power when his people gather to worship. He will show up in power even when we can only gather virtually, from the relative safety and comfort of our own homes.
He is risen! He is risen indeed!