Judy Rose Weaver, 8th Episcopal District
Growing up in New Orleans, I remember radio station WYLD as a famous media source for African American communities that spread the Good News and spiritual blessings on Sunday mornings. Recently, I read with interest about the history of Atlanta’s first broadcast station, WERD, broadcasting from Atlanta’s Big Bethel Church in 1953. An article from The A.M.E. Church Review notes that the Rev. Harold I. Bearden started a Sunday morning worship service as an “inspirational gospel feast” for sick and shut-in church members. Apparently, Pastor Beardon had to find a way to minister to those who were homebound.
The article immediately reminded me of Ecclesiastes 1: 9 and about the current situation of having to set up virtual connections due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Ecclesiastes 1:9 affirms that history repeats itself time after time: “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.” Seventy years later, although the technology is different, there is a need to reach family and friends effectively. We must strengthen ourselves and others by sharing encouraging and inspirational messages while we all are journeying through these challenging times.
At the onset of the pandemic in early 2020, businesses, government, and schools instantly found solutions to connect to their audiences, while some churches lagged, resisting embracing online worship. Using technology in the church was not acceptable as a rule of discipline. Now, we have been forced to accept some form of technology to reach our church members. Technology will be ever-changing, and we must prepare to change. We have moved from the transistor radio in a listen-only mode to web-based audio/video services. We must continually stay abreast of communications technology changes to meet our church communities’ spiritual needs. Additionally, we must work to meet our leaders’ and members’ health and wellness. We are reminded in Colossians 3:16 of teaching and admonishing one another to “Let the word of Christ dwell in [us] richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in [our] hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.”
Isolation is not good for our mental or physical health, but it can be disastrous for people who are accustomed to being socially active. We also know Artificial Intelligence (AI), including social media, texting, and any computer-based communications, do not always satisfy the need to be in person with others. Absolutely, there are risks lurking everywhere, even in our homes. Still, we must continue to meet our connectional church family’s communication and spiritual needs using the best available communications technology.
Along with setting up an effective communication plan at your church, think about adding motivational and inspirational messages of encouragement. We must let our family and friends know through all these worldly challenges, we can give difficult issues to the Lord. John 14:27 comforts us with these words, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
Let’s admit it; we have all been in a “Sick & Shut-in” mode at some point since early 2020 due to the pandemic. Knowing we are a connectional church family, historically, we are also known to be “socially needy.” As the bad news continues to escalate, let’s take special care to encourage ourselves and go out of our way to inspire someone else.
My virtual Sunday School class and family members expect to get encouraging text messages from me. The intent is to let them know that they are not alone and that I am thinking about them. As children of God, we are the best ones equipped to shine the light on someone’s moment or day, or maybe we can help make someone’s life better during these challenging times, even if it has to be on a virtual platform.
Connect with Zoom Host Judy Rose Weaver at Jefferson Chapel AME Church Circuit in Natchez, Mississippi 39120
