Looking Ahead

 

We're talking a new step at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church this week.

When churches were first closed for in-person worship in March 2020, Rev. Irwin created virtual services using his cell phone and a laptop. They were lovely and very professional considering the elementary equipment he had. Most of us thought this was just a stop-gap measure until we were all back in the pews.

Months went by and our minister had to take a break from creating virtual services. Instead Peter Aggus brought in a portable videography set-up and live-streamed our services. A slightly scary scenario for those taking part in the worship. Any mistake was broadcast to the world on the instant.

I think most of us were still thinking this was short term, but more weeks went by and in-person services are still not allowed.

Now we are taking a leap into the future. We believe that, even when in-person worship is allowed, many congregants will have become accustomed to virtual services. The "new" way of being church after COVID 19, will include an on-line presence.

To that end, Session, with a grant from Presbytery, has had a permanent audio/video system installed. Two cameras, a sound mixer, and a dizzying array of controls on a tablet bring us into a whole new world. 

Several volunteers showed up for a training session on Friday and our first livestream went out on Sunday. Please be patient. We're still learning. But what a long way we've come!

We thank Peter Aggus for helping us out for so many weeks. More than he bargained for, I'm sure. And we are grateful to Pacific Audio Works for getting us up and running with our own system, and for their patience with umpteen dozen questions. 

This feels like a big step, but I remember a sermon where the preacher reminded us that what lies unseen around the corner is not a fearsome monster, but the loving arms of Jesus. Be not afraid!

This week's service is here.