Testimonial Sharing by sis. Julia

Physical vs Online Worship Testimonial Sharing by sis. Julia from Affinity Small Group

Church is a body of Christ, where believers gathered to worship our Lord, to listen to the Scriptures, and to encourage one another in faith. God is eagerly waiting for us to gather for worship to bless us.

Before I share my personal experience of attending physical church with you, I would summarise my personal experience of attending online church service in three words: long distance relationship.

Yes, long distance relationship. I believe most of us here have experienced this with our loved ones, be it boy/girlfriend, spouse, families, and friends who are not living in the same city with us, same goes to small group meeting through zoom. As we are catching up with each other through video calls, we’re watching and interacting with them through a screen. The feeling isn’t the same, sometimes I feel impersonal, especially during online Service, my ears might be listening, but my hands were doing something else, I’m easily distracted, and can’t really focused. Sometimes I even feel like I’ve forgotten that I’m listening to online sermon, because it’s through monitor, it’s just like watching a movie.

Besides, attending physical service is really different to the online one, I can feel the presence, involvement and bonding, when everyone come together physically to worship our Lord. Also, during physical service, we are listening to the sermon together, it feels so good to be able to greet each other, catch up with one another, and we could even grab a simple breakfast/dinner after the service. It feels engaged to worship together physically as a community.

God tells us in His Word to “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25).

I still remember last month, December, that time our church has already allowed physical Sunday service, I’ve already attended few times. And one of the Sundays was my father’s birthday, so as usual my husband (Changi) and I will go back home to celebrate his birthday. And I thought I want to avoid physical activities with others before I go home for the birthday celebration, because my parents are old, I’m afraid that I might contract the virus unknowingly and transmit to them. So I told Changi, I think we skip church on that Sunday and attend live streaming lah. But his response struck me, he said “I think going to church is safer than going back to celebrate father’s birthday”. I must admit, sometimes I might’ve been so health conscious, that I ‘overthink’ the consequences of attending church. But when I think again, why could I go out meeting with friends and families, but still being sceptical about attending physical church? Since then, I am convinced that church is safe. why? because we are wearing masks all the time. And PTL for we have good leadership (especially Dr. Simon, Rev. Candy and Dr. Lee) who always emphasize on SOP, reminding us to put on our masks, assuring the church is well ventilated, exhaust fans are installed, windows are opened, physical distancing etc. I believe we are in good hands under the care of our current leaders.

Therefore, if you’re able, let’s come together as a family of Christ to worship our Lord!