Neither snow, sleet or ice can stop these folks

LAUREL — Despite a menacing snow storm, technology made it possible for some area residents to still attend a church service recently.

The month of December came in like a lion, with a snarling snow storm that kept most people inside.However, at least 24 households in Laurel didn’t miss their Laurel United Methodist Church service Dec. 1.

“We stream services every week from Facebook live, however, Dec. 1 was the first time I did the service from home,’’ said Pastor Isaac Chua.

Church member Melissa Graham said she got a text message that the service was going to be online that weekend.

“I was excited. This was a great way to start the week to have a good message right in your home. Pastor goes to a lot of work each week to have a good message and it was nice that he still got to deliver it,’’ Graham said.

Another member of the congregation, Kami Asbra, said she only lives a few blocks away from church.

“Renee Saunders sent out the text message about the service,’’ Asbra said. “I could make it to the church, but others weren’t able to make it and we were still able to have the service. I thought it was great.’’ 

Other opinions from the church congregation aligned with Asbra’s.

“They loved it,’’ Graham said. “We’ve had a lot of good comments.’’

“So far, it seems everyone really enjoyed it,’’ Asbra said. “It allowed us to cancel and keep people safe, yet we were still able to fellowship together. If someone ventures out in bad weather, they put themselves in danger and also whoever may have to respond to their need for help.’’

“I had watched it before online,’’ Graham said. “If someone is travelling out of town, they can watch the service. That weekend we sat in the living room and ate french toast in our pajamas. It was really nice. It is nice every week for people who are home-bound.’’

This is a helpful way to allow everyone to worship every week, according to Graham.

“It is very progressive and may draw another age group to our church,’’ Graham said. “We live in a technology-driven society. Some people may not feel comfortable going to church and this is another way to reach them.’’

“I did it through my computer with a built-in Webcam. Some other pastors have just done their sermon online. I did the whole service and used my guitar. Even with bad weather, we can still have virtual church and still be connected,’’ Chua said. “It is a good way to hear the Word of God together. It is a way to reach people. I’ve seen other pastors do this before. Several of my colleagues and friends have done it.”

“Peopleappreciatedtheopportunity to listen to the service while they could sit on the couch with their breakfast and their coffee. People have a chance to share in the comments area. They can ask to pray for things. It is the interactive part of the service. The service was the first week of Advent. We sang the hymn, ‘Joy to the World,’’’ Chua said. “The message for that week was joy in life. Joy is not the same as happiness. We can have joy even in tough times. Joy is deeper than happiness.”

Approximately 24 households watched live during the service, that number includes families with three or four more family members.  

“Some people could watch the service later,’’ Chua said. “We used technology to allow us to reach out to connect with people who cannot be here.’’

“Even college kids can connect. There is nothing to keep them from a service every week,’’ Asbra said.

“We don’t want it to replace the actual service, but those who are prevented from being here can watch it at a later time. It keeps the congregation connected. ’’ Asbra said.