Hybrid Worship: What is it and what does it mean for us?

COVID has changed a lot in our society. Churches have had to adjust very quickly to find ways to share the message of Jesus. Technology has opened up possibilities for members of St. John while also allowing us to increase our reach beyond our walls. We are now able to include in worship people who might not otherwise be able to physically be in church, people who are traveling, and people out of the area who have formed a connection with St. John.

Through most of COVID, we, at St. John, have been able to worship in person or using Zoom which provided an interactive way for us to see and talk with each other. This combination has served us well, but it requires two separate worship services, and additional volunteer and staff time to produce a separate bulletin and to be present for the worship service.

Hybrid worship simply means that we are worshiping together at the same time both in person and online. Many churches and organizations use this practice because it allows the flexibility to participate in person or from any location.

We will offer Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter as hybrid worship. Updates will be shared in the weekly Pulse newsletter and our website (www.stjohnriverdale.com/worship).