HOUSE-TO-HOUSE GATHERINGS
We have compiled some resources for how we can continue to BE the church while meeting in small gatherings.
COMMUNITIES BUILT HOUSE-TO-HOUSE:
COMMUNION:
As we lean into our House Church structure, we want to empower you to celebrate communion from “house to house” as a part of your regular gatherings. For the first century church, communion involved an entire meal, complete with wine and unleavened bread, that the “oikos” ate all together in celebration! It wasn’t until later, likely for logistical reasons, that communion was reduced to symbolic references such as crackers and grape juice. At CGNE, communion is considered more than symbolic but not the literal body and blood of Jesus; it is both spiritual and physical - sacred and common.
WORSHIP:
During the week and in your house churches, I encourage you to worship in your own way, whether that is singing or dancing, playing an instrument, writing or drawing, creating or praying.
Let this be a time where your house church can find its own expression to feel closest to God in submission, service, and praise:
My own “Praise & Worship” Spotify playlist and “Praise & Worship” YouTube playlist (slightly different from each other), both of diverse music that are being constantly updated
Bethel Music’s hours of live music YouTube Playlist, also being constantly updated
Bethel provides chords to most (if not all) of their songs here (just have to register email, but free!)
Live worship moments from the Upper Room YouTube Playlist
Journal writing! (I’m a writer too, so sometimes creative writing and writing my thoughts to God is my form of worship.)
RESPOND TOGETHER:
By practicing social distancing, especially when someone in our home is unwell in any way, we ARE LOVING our neighbors. The Coronavirus is spreading rapidly, leaving those who are are older and those who have underlying health conditions the most vulnerable. If the spread of the disease can be slowed down, then it “flattens the curve” and prevents sick people from overwhelming the health care system. That means those who most need medical help can get it.
Regularly check-in on your neighbors and communities around you through phone calls and texts
Can you help those who can’t get out with grocery runs or maybe provide financial relief to help others find child care?
Pray with and comfort those who are hurting
We can continue to support our communities, help us find ways!