Churches Using Technology To Adjust To The Times

Last year, churches were not allowed to hold any in-person services as COVID-19 spiked, Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield reports (2:19). WCCO 4 News At 6 - April 2, 2021

Video Transcript

- As things begin to return to normal, more people are returning to church.

- Churches usually see high attendance on Easter weekend in Minnesota and around the world. Last year, though, churches were not allowed to hold any in-person services as COVID spiked. One year later, Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield revisits those churches to see how some things like church technology have changed forever.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

JOSH HOABY: (SINGING) Your love--

SUSAN-ELIZABETH LITTLEFIELD: As vaccines are rolling out in Minnesota, restrictions are loosening. This Golden Valley church is gradually getting back to normal.

JOSH HOABY: It's been a slow grow here at Calvary. And I think a lot of churches have felt that same way as people are getting more and more comfortable going out.

- And so we have live prayer, people.

SUSAN-ELIZABETH LITTLEFIELD: Their online audience has grown their congregation to larger than it ever was before. In-person attendance, though, is still at about 40%.

JOSH HOABY: We definitely expect our highest in-person attendance on Easter. But I think us and every church really has no idea what that's going to look like.

SUSAN-ELIZABETH LITTLEFIELD: They cut things together with virtual music and Bible study lessons. The lead pastor says this week is symbolic.

- It kind of feels like we've been in an extended Good Friday. There's been a lot of loss, a lot of mourning. But the good news of Easter is that after Good Friday, there's a resurrection.

SUSAN-ELIZABETH LITTLEFIELD: And on the east side of St. Paul, there's hope for healing, too, amidst a year of pain.

- This really has put me on an emotional roller coaster. I've described it to someone, one time, that I was physically tired. I was emotionally drained.

SUSAN-ELIZABETH LITTLEFIELD: Reverend Patterson has been focused on helping heal others and himself.

DR. RUNNEY PATTERSON: I came down with COVID in July. I almost died myself.

SUSAN-ELIZABETH LITTLEFIELD: He says he's gotten his strength back, and seen the church strengthened, too, with a wider online reach and an expanding food ministry. And even though it may be a while before they have a full house again, this church is going full steam ahead.

DR. RUNNEY PATTERSON: What I shared with our church was, though the building may be shut down, though the sanctuaries may be shut down, the ministry should not be shut down.

SUSAN-ELIZABETH LITTLEFIELD: Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield, WCCO4 News.

- Archbishop Hebda, head the archdiocese Of St. Paul and Minneapolis, sent us a statement saying he's excited parishes are open this Easter, and grateful for the creative ways that they have learned to reach more people this past year.

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