Physical Isolation Doesn’t Mean Worship Isolation
Though our buildings and meeting places may have been locked, the church – the people of God are still open. The author of life is still writing a story of hope in our hearts, in the church and in our nation.
The way we connect over the coming days and weeks might change, but we are still connected. We are still one body, of many parts, magnificently woven together.
There are two ways to provide worship opportunities at this time – link into a service streamed by another church or offer your own online worship service.
Link into a service streamed by another church
A number of our churches are offering online services which you can access using the links below. Just click on the text and it will transport you through.
Offer your own online worship service
If you would like to do this but aren’t sure how there are a number of resources available to help you get started.
But first a word about copyright. All our churches should have copyright licences so they can sing songs, show videos etc. in order to comply with NZ copyright law. If you are going to stream your service you need a streaming licence from CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International) in addition to other copyright licenses. (If you are unsure about what you need, contact me National Secretary).
Resources to help you offer online worship
CCLI has gathered some information to help you start streaming your services.
If you are a WMCNZ Minister – check out Rev. Frank Ritchie’s tips for going online over at the new Wesleyan Methodist Ministers of Aotearoa NZ Facebook page.
If you’d like to talk with someone about what they have done/are doing to provide an online worship experience contact the Ministers of the churches above – Rev Frank Ritchie (Commoners Wesleyan Community) Rev. Josh Bowlin (East City Wesleyan), Rev. Clint Ussher (The Well), Rev. Brett Jones (cession|community), or me Rev. Peter Benzie (Redoubt North Wesleyan) – we are all very willing to help.
Several of our churches are going on-line for the first time this Sunday so watch this space for more resources. If you’re one of those churches we’d love to hear how you did it, how it went and any tips you have for others on how to offer online worship.
However and wherever you worship may you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in a fresh and powerful way.
What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. 1 Corinthians 14:26 (NIV)
Blessings, Grace & Peace
Rev. Peter Benzie
National Secretary