Like many churches in the Philadelphia area (and in the world), Hope Presbyterian Church will be unable to meet for public worship on March 15th and March 22nd because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as you stay home this Sunday, remember that it’s still the Lord’s Day. God has given us six days to do our ordinary work, but this is a day of rest, worship, and mercy. So here are a few thoughts on how to spend the day:

Consider a social-media/news fast on Sunday. Media has a purpose, but in times like this, it can lead to anxiety and fear. If you’re just at home anyway, take the time that you would have spent online or watching the news and devote it to prayer, Bible reading, in addition to private and family worship. This is part of the reason Hope isn’t going to stream something on Facebook. I would rather see our people truly resting from the influx of news. Turn off your devices!
Consider private worship on Sunday. Don’t we all wish we had more time to pray and read our Bibles individually? Well, here it is. Don’t view Sunday as a time to get caught up on Netflix. Wouldn’t it be amazing if Hope Church grew closer to God through prayer and private Bible reading in this time of crisis? You could read through the book of Psalms and pray as you go. You could read a letter of the Apostle Paul several times in a row. You could memorize a favorite passage. There are so many great possibilities!
Consider family worship on Sunday. If you have family at home, devote time to family worship. Here's a link to the bulletin we would have used this Sunday. You may want to sing the songs, reflect on the catechism question, pray and read the Bible together. It could be a great time of family connection. (Here's the best sermon I've ever heard on family worship and how to do it.)