As we prepare for yet another virtual worship service, I want to offer some thoughts about how we can prepare our hearts for Sunday.

1. Be ready technically. Prepare your computer or device and buffer for time that may be needed to resolve technical difficulties so that you can “attend” the service on time. We will try to start the livestream by 10:20am (10 minutes before the service begins). We encourage you to tune in then to test your internet connection / device / browser.

2. Be intentional about staying engaged. Set up a physical environment that is conducive to worship and try to minimize distractions. Give your full attention to follow the service and participate in the singing, prayer, and confession.

3. Be hungry for God’s Word. Pray for God to cultivate a hunger for His Word to feed your soul. Listen to the sermon with your Bible opened and your note-taking materials ready.

4. Be expectant spiritually. Expect the Holy Spirit to be present and active. Expect Him to comfort, challenge, and lead you. Consider lighting a candle before the service begins to remind you of God’s presence.

5. Prepare your offering. Giving to God’s work is still a part of worship. It can be easy to forget or neglect without the physical reminder of the offering basket being passed around. So take the opportunity of the worship service to ready your offering and then set it aside for when you can drop it off at the church or mail it in. You can also give to our general budget and designated causes conveniently and directly on our website.

6. Share with someone about how God has blessed you. Share with a family member, friend, or neighbour one of the ways that God spoke to you during the service.

7. Remember that God calls us to worship. He is the living One who has saved, gathered, and called His people to worship Him. God is here to meet and bless His people and we ought to engage with Him wholeheartedly!

Worshipping digitally is far from ideal. We face difficulties with technology working properly, finding a space in our homes that is conducive to worship, and the distractions of our own hearts. Yet God is not limited by these things. He is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us (Eph. 3:20).