Last year when my church switched from worshipping together in person to worshipping together over Zoom, we kept the same format as much as possible. Those responsible for preparing our Sunday services still prepared a full liturgy focused around the lectionary Scripture readings. As usual, our worship time began with a call to worship; included songs and prayers, a time of confession and assurance, an affirmation of faith; and ended with a benediction. We celebrated communion on the first Sunday of the month, and I continued to preach once a month, with other speakers taking turns as usual.
Yet there was so much unusual about worshipping together online. We each stayed at home, reduced to head and shoulders on a screen. We no longer shook hands or shared hugs as we gathered for worship. There was no choir to lead us in singing. No standing up and moving around our worship space to pass the peace. No sharing the same loaf of bread, or dipping a morsel into the same cup for communion. No time of offering.
Wait, no offering? No offering prayer?
For more on why the offering got missed, why I’m glad it’s been restored, and an offering prayer, please see Asian American Women on Leadership.
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For more encouragement and resources on doing ministry better:
When You Work for the Church 