North Presbyterian Church

Buffalo (Williamsville), New York

Staying spiritually connected in a pandemic

North Presbyterian Church, a Matthew 25 church in Buffalo (Williamsville), New York, has been following each YouTube church service with a short video montage. Our assistant music director, Kurt Ebsary, has been accompanying each video with beautiful piano music, and with the help of our administrative assistant Reyne Jankowski, has been producing these video postludes. Church members send in pictures to match the theme of the week, such as “Signs of Spring,” “Front Line/Essential Workers” and “Show Us Your Masks.” The participation of our members while observing “Pause NY” has helped keep us connected and build congregational vitality. The Zoom adult education classes once a week, YouTube yoga classes three times a week, and Zoom Bible Study led weekly by our pastor, William Hennessy, have also connected us. Our pastor leads daily Bible study on Facebook and YouTube as well as recorded weekly Sunday services on YouTube along with our dedicated organist Marlene Harrington and selected soloists from our choir. We are also treated to a live Facebook Sunday morning performance on the Irish whistle and Celtic prayers by our pastor. Virtual participation in these activities has increased “attendance” at church services, Bible study and yoga classes. The activities of our pastor, staff and church leaders have helped ease the difficulties of sheltering in place and have kept us connected with each other. Click to sample of our weekly video montage postludes.