Well, That Was Fun!
A few thoughts from the past two weeks and why this Sunday is going to be incredible
Hello!
These past two weeks have been a lot of fun. First I ran a marathon. Then I preached a sermon! And somewhere in between I made a video all about 5 things running has taught me about spirituality.
All this to say, it feels good to be back in my usual rhythm. And our “usual rhythms” is precisely what makes digital ministry so fantastic. It allows us all to stay connected with Riverside and one another, regardless of or location. Church does not have to become a shift from my regular life but digital ministry invites us to connect with God and one another as part of our regular life. Worship from home. Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom. Deepen your faith, one YouTube or TikTok or Substack at a time!
Also, while something like “preaching a sermon” might typically feel like an experience designed for the people in the room, I love how the livestream allows everyone online to always have the best view. This past Sunday when I was collecting water from congregants along the aisle, yes, those congregants were able to participate in a unique way. But other congregants across the room didn’t have quite the same view of what was happening. But everyone online? You had the front row seat to every step, every drop, every moment.
However, going to church online is more than peeking in through a window and watching church happen. It means showing up, fully present, video playing, sound up, live chat rolling, answering questions and passing the peace and connecting with one another. And believe it or not, we’re exploring even more ways all of us online can deepen our engagement with the Sunday morning experience — get your Advent candles ready!
All this to say, I am grateful for all the ways we can connect — with one another, with ourselves, with the world around us, and with God. And I am grateful that digital ministry is one more opportunity for this to happen.
Rev. Jim Keat
Minister of Digital Worship & Education
P.S. Want to watch that “5 Things Running Taught Me About Spirituality” video? Here you go!
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The Word Made Fresh
We’re welcoming a guest preacher and familiar face this Sunday at Riverside: Rev. Dr. William Barber, II. Join Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim as they talk about what to expect this Sunday as we anticipate a powerful and prophetic word from one of the nation’s most dynamic public theologians and activists. And while they don’t know exactly what text he’s focusing on in this conversation, they still have a rich conversation about what it means to embody justice each and every day.
Mark Your Calendar
We have some incredible online groups, classes, and events coming up. And don’t want you to miss any of them! Check out the links below to learn more and join us in these online spaces:
Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 pm ET: Book, Bath, Table, and Time with Rev. Dr. Leah Fowler
Sunday, November 16 at 9:00 am ET: Fresh Start
Sunday, November 16 at 9:30 am ET: Open Bible Study with Crystal Hammon
Sunday, November 16 at 10:30 am ET: Sunday Morning Worship
Sunday, November 16 (after worship): Congregational Meeting
Wednesday, November 19 at 12:30 pm ET: Midweek Bible Study (Genesis 24-26)
Thursday, November 20 at 7:00 pm ET: Book, Bath, Table, and Time with Rev. Dr. Leah Fowler
Wow, what a week! So many ways to connect and engage. Hope to see you online!
In Case You Missed It
You made it!
Well, look at you! All the way to the very end of this week’s email. Way to go!
Since you made it this far I wanted to share a not-so-secret secret: I started a new Substack! It’s called “Running Thoughts” and yes, it will be about running. But it is also a place for my ongoing (aka, “running”) thoughts about life and theology and the world and everything in between. So what are you waiting for? Click here to check it out and subscribe! And then leave a comment below (or send me an email) and say “Running Thoughts” so we both know that you made it all the way here to the very last drop.