Online Blessings

From Dr. Joshua Scott | Associate Pastor

Colossians 1:17 says, "God is before all things, and in God, all things hold together." The truth of these words has motivated All Together at Second-Ponce. I must admit the recent and aggressive spread of COVID-19 left us fearful and in a frenzy. We prayed, collaborated, cried and pivoted to streaming services online. Many questions were asked, such as, would anyone watch the services online? Should we offer services online each week? How can we faithfully engage viewers online? We prayed, and God delivered answers in the form of blessings. The viewership doubled beyond the physical attendance, and we continued to offer worship experiences, podcasts and online content for viewers to connect with All Together.

In this challenging but blessed season, we grew in viewership, but also in other ways. Phillip Mallory (the great guitar player for All Together) and his wife welcomed a new baby. Chelsey Kelly, who has been a part of All Together from the beginning, has been hired as our ministry assistant. We have celebrated graduations, weddings and the acquisition of new jobs detailed in an email from many who connect with us each week. The viewers have allowed us into their lives and have remained connected to us. We have become family.

All Together continues to worship God, build community and embrace diversity. It has been a joy to witness and experience the online blessings birthed by God in this uncertain season. God’s movement has been encouraging, and I certainly pray more blessings are on the way. Online blessings have spiked in value and have served as a way to keep us together. This unusual season has led to new methods, new additions and new opportunities for us to know God. Discomfort has not stopped movement from the Divine. Technology has been a helpful tool that keeps us connected and together. For technology, new springs of joy and hope for the future, we are eternally grateful.