"It's a little harder to preach when the pews are empty." That's according to Reverend Linda Hunsaker, from First Christian Church in Davenport, after moving her weekly worship service online because of the pandemic.
She says more than 80 watched it last Sunday on Facebook Live, including a number of non-members. And despite being online, instead of in-person, the service includes communion.
"I invite folks at the beginning of the service to grab something so they can participate in communion, whether it be a donut and a cup of coffee or a Goldfish cracker and some juice. And ask everybody to join us when we get to that part of the service."
Hunsaker thinks some sort of weekly online service may continue after the pandemic is over and it's safe to meet in person.
"I have some shut-in members that for health reasons have not been able to join us in worship, but now all of a sudden are participating online. And I think it really has added value to their week - they don't feel disconnected any more to their church and that's exactly what we're trying to create during this time."
In addition to the Sunday service at 10 am, First Christian Church in Davenport offers Bible Study one night each week, and she provides a daily devotion on their Facebook page.
Hunsaker is wondering now about Easter - possibly in the parking lot, and maybe with drive-through communion.
