Many parishes no longer have a presbyter, and even parishes with a full-time ministry team are facing challenges in creating worship materials, as Covid impacts staffing levels and workloads. A number of parishes had been using online resources, including information available via MCNZ online portals.

On a recent Sunday, Rev Dale Peach, Parish Superintendent, Christchurch West Methodist Parish showed that week’s Homily by Rev Andrew Doubleday as the sermon. Dale says, “Before I showed it I let the congregation know that there were three reasons why they were seeing it that day:

1. I had a busy week and didn’t have time to write a sermon

2. Andrew’s message was as good as I could do

3. This is one of the options that are available to ensure we can continue to gather and worship as a community if the person scheduled to take the service is unable to preach.

Dale found it easy to download the clip from YouTube, but warns there can be unexpected advertising and images included along with the legitimate content. “Be aware that ‘risky’ advertisements also appear! The clip we selected played well, thanks to the operator, and people appreciated the message.”

Having a competent operator, adequate internet access and audio visual equipment suited to the venue and the congregation is also essential according to Peter Lane, Principal Consultant at System Design & Communication Services. Peter contributes to Touchstone bi-monthly, with his Tech Tips column offering advice and information on technology, specifically in a church setting. Peter operates a website focused on building a community of people interested in improving how technology can be used in churches and the site offers a wealth of information. www.dct.org.nz

Joining Congregations via Live Streaming

Peni Vinakadina, a lay preacher at Woodlands Road Methodist Church Timaru, shares the role with Sione Malama. At present the congregation is not gathering in their church due to Covid. In early February their online service live-streamed a service conducted at Christchurch North Methodist Parish. The live-streaming provided the small congregation in Timaru with the chance to come together for worship and song with a larger congregation in Christchurch. Peni says, “It was like being in the same church together as a group.”

Dedicated MCNZ Resources

The MCNZ website has a page dedicated to online worship resources, managed by Heather Fraser, Web Content Administrator for the Methodist Connexional Office “Some of the resources require you to connect at a specific time, such as when the church service starts. Others are available at any time for viewing and using. You can find the resources by navigating to www.methodist.org.nz/whakapono/online-resources . New resources are welcomed, and are regularly added to this page.”

Mission Resourcing also provide a range of resources, including blogs, devotionals, wallpapers and media content for youth children or youth ministry this Lent season.

More information at www.missionresourcing.org.nz/youth

For additional support or information on how to share or access worship resources, contact Heather heatherf@methodist.org.nz