by Audra H. Anders for The Aha! Connection
Repost from August 28th
I watch and/or listen to church services online and via podcasts all the time. I love this..but I’m getting tired of it. I want to go to church but I don’t want the germ risk. I miss my Sunday routine of going to church and participating in the fellowship with other Jesus followers. However, I don’t want to be tempted to hug friends and awkwardly not complete the hug. I don’t want to sit too close to anyone other than my family. I’m getting out more and wearing my mask….so I’m ready to start exploring church options.
I went to an outdoor service at DUMC with my husband last Sunday morning at 8:45. The music and preaching was performed from the “tree lot” and the congregation was social distanced in their own personal lawn chairs in the shady parking lot. Phil Schroeder (the new Senior Minister) delivered an inspiring message, the music by Mark Lamback was wonderful…we even got to hear the theme from Cheers :). If you want to sign up to attend either the 8:45 AM or 7:30 PM services this week click here. Space is limited due to COVID and all of the precautionary measures are listed at the sign up link.
Misty Creek Community Church also has on the lawn, under the tent, and indoor options each Sunday for their 10:30 service or you can watch the service on Facebook live here. Misty Creek Church is located at 590 Mount Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 at the corner of Glenridge and Mt. Vernon.
Dunwoody Baptist has also begun in person worship and you can read about their regathering guidelines here.
While not gathering in person yet, Saint Luke’s continues its worship and ministries online.
The church my family attended the most in 2019-2020 is North Point Community Church. They are not gathering in person yet. My head hurts just thinking about how they would safely gather with the massive numbers of people who attend. They had a wonderful outdoor social distanced gathering a few weeks ago, but unfortunately I was out of town and could not participate.
Updates: All Saints Catholic church implemented in person and outdoor Mass in addition to their livestream back in June. That way, anyone can attend at their level of comfort.
Dunwoody Presbyterian is now offering in person services at 11 AM on Sundays. They are following CDC guidelines for in-person meetings, requesting guests be: fever free, masked, and six feet apart. Masks and hand sanitizer are available on site and surfaces are sanitized frequently.
Thanks to Temple Emanu-El for letting us know you can join them for daily lessons with the clergy, Friday night and Saturday morning worship services, zoom classes (meditation, cooking, Talmud, Torah study).
Following are a few of my online faves, some that my Bible study sisters recommended and a few links to online services for churches in our community. Please feel free to add commentary with your recommendations. I’m sure my Jewish friends have Rabbi’s they listen to online and have in person services too….please share those as well! By the way….Shanah Tovah to all of my friends celebrating Rosh Hashanah this weekend.
Audra’s Fave Five Online Options (all but one are local to Atlanta)
- Andy Stanley (by far the pastor I listen to the most)
- Levi Lusko (my latest pastor addiction)
- Louie Giglo
- Jentezen Franklin
- Michael Youssef
Local Community Churches
- Dunwoody Baptist Church Online
- Dunwoody United Methodist Church Online
- Misty Creek Community Church Online
- Saint Luke’s Presbyterian Church Online
Suggestions from my Bible Study girlfriends (They listen to my top 5 too!)
