Online sermons luring people away from computer, into church

Posted by Kendall Harmon

Old wood benches quaked under the thunder of the pipe organ at Calvary Episcopal Church, fully awakening the overflowing Easter morning crowd.

As light filtered into the sanctuary through an elaborate stained glass window portraying Jesus on the cross, a traditional service, unyielding to time, unfolded.

But for those who couldn't make it to Easter services, even some of the most traditional churches offered other options.

As more churches are creating an online presence with podcasts, Web streaming and cyber-giving, worshipers don't have to leave the comfort of their homes to get religion.

Nevertheless, local clergy say virtual worship did not reduce Easter turnouts this year, but may have helped bolster numbers on one of the largest church attendance days of the year.

Read it all.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Episcopal Church (TEC) • TEC Parishes • * Christian Life / Church Life • Parish Ministry • * Culture-Watch • Blogging & the Internet

2 Comments
Posted March 27, 2008 at 3:48 pm [Printer Friendly] [Print w/ comments]



1. Oldman wrote:

Church On Line

  I don’t believe that I have listened to a broadcast of a church service since I was a little boy.  This was the first Easter in many, many years that, due to our cancers, my wife and I were not able to attend our Episcopal Church.  Fortunately, I noticed a “streaming” web cast from St. Thomas Church, New York.
  What struck me first was the statement of purpose on their web site:
“To worship, love and serve Our Lord Jesus Christ through the Anglican tradition and our unique choral heritage.”
  We listened to the service for over two hours and was greatly impressed (maybe even more than that). The music was great, but the real moving part was Fr. Andrew Mead’s sermon. If his sermon is any indication, that wonderful man is a true believer…in of all places New York City.
  I think their Easter Service as well as several other Easter Week services are still on line for anyone interested.
http://www.saintthomaschurch.org

March 27, 6:34 pm | [comment link]
2. physician without health wrote:

I thank God for the miracle of the internet, which enables me to read the sermons at Advent when I can’t make it in person, and also enables me to check out churches in places where I travel, to find the best place to worship.

March 27, 7:35 pm | [comment link]
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