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Working Together: Churches find new ways to meet spiritual needs

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Posted at 10:25 PM, Mar 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-19 15:59:56-04

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INDIANAPOLIS — Whether it's through music, livestreams or a drive-thru pre-packaged communion station, churches in the area are finding ways to connect with the community.

"These are very challenging times for people who are used to worshipping together, serving God together," David Faust, associate minister at East 91st Street Christian Church, said. "We have to get creative right now."

On Thursday, a small group met to create a prayer and music video for people of all faiths.

"We realize not everybody worships God in the same way, musical style so we are creating a series of short, 10-minute videos called 'At Home with God' that feature Bible teachings, a devotional thought," Faust said.

The church is also setting up a program called Listening Ear and a Virtual Hug, making sure everyone has someone to talk to over the next few weeks.

"The church never prays for a time like this but the church is for a time like this," Faust said.

Faust said communion is a big part of their Sunday worship. This weekend they'll host a drive-thru station to bring people together while keeping them apart.

"We will have some good, gloved volunteers caring people hand them if they would like a little communion on their own but still connecting online," Faust said.

The church is able to do that thanks to a Brownsburg business — World Communion Cups. The owner, Stephan Kovey, said business has picked up over the past couple of weeks as church leaders look for ways to stop the spread of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus.

"We have been getting calls from all over the country. We are slammed right now with business," Kovey said. "It has been this way for about two weeks. We have been working 12-14 hours a day, seven days a week."

Both men said it's work that is needed right now as people turn to their faith during uncertain times.

"God's people can meet the needs of others around them, we can point people to the hope we have in the Lord, we can encourage people and help each other in practical ways," Faust said.