Gathering Anew, Our Next Step...ZOOM

So that we in the coming days we may begin meeting in groups online through live video conferencing, we invite all parishioners to   download and install Zoom software  on as many electronic devices—smartphone, tablet, or computer—as you wish to use for this purpose.  Think of a Zoom meeting like a meeting room at the church. The room is always there and different groups meet in the same room at scheduled times. Soon we will send email invitations containing web links to participate in a variety gathering opportunities for formation, prayer, and other ideas as they develop. Here are some instruction to help you install the software and get ready for your first Zoom meeting. Most of the time the installation is very easy, but if after trying you do need help please email Maddy Elledge, our Communications Director. She will schedule a phone call to help you.

Zoom Meeting Basics for installing and joining a meeting:

ON COMPUTERS:  If it is your first time to Zoom, when you click on the link [https://zoom.us/support/download ] , it should start downloading the software you need. Say "Yes" to give it permission to download the software. If it doesn't start downloading within a few minutes, there should be a link that says click here. Be patient though because it takes a few seconds sometimes to start. ON MOBILE DEVICES: If this is your first time with Zoom, install the Zoom app [https://zoom.us/support/download]  on your device. If you’ve already installed the app, then when you click the meeting invitation link emailed to you, your app should automatically open.  If it doesn't, you can open the app and manually enter the meeting ID# and password provided in the invitation.

TO JOIN A SCHEDULED MEETING: Click the invitation link emailed to you. When prompted click "Open Zoom”.  Type your name when prompted so we know who is participating. Click "Join the Meeting". Be sure to join with video. If you do not have video capability, just join with audio. It's also is an option to phone in for audio from the number provided in the email invitation.  Once in the meeting, click "Gallery View” (located top right of window) and be sure to mute yourself (located in bottom left of window) when you are not speaking. To end, click “Leave Meeting” located in the bottom right of the window.

FORMATION FAITH, HOPE, LOVE… SOMETHING FOR EVERY AGE

Connecting with and making meaning through the lens of faith is more important than ever, so while the clergy and staff continue preparing to offer online gatherings through Zoom, here are are some resources for every age group of the parish. Please share with me, John Jenkins , others sites or resources you have found and love.

CHILDREN

FOR OUR YOUNGEST CHILDREN:  TUCKED-IN, Bedtime Stories and Prayers with Episcopalians and Others : This Facebook Page has live and recorded bedtime stories and prayers from children’s ministers all over the church.

FOR OUR KINDERGARTEN THRU ELEMENTARY with Kim Butler and Ivey Coleman:  GODLY PLAY: Kim and Ivey will continue sharing sacred stories at 9:30 AM, on our Facebook page Saint Paul's Church - Augusta, GA now and soon on Zoom so that the children can interact and “wonder”.

YOUTH

FOR MIDDLE (6th-8th) SCHOOL YOUTH with Ranie Neislar: Just because we can’t gather together, doesn’t mean we can’t be together! I’ll be hosting a Zoom meeting *tomorrow* Sunday, March 22 from 4-4:30 PM to check-in and find the best time for us to meet weekly. Click HERE to join. I can’t wait to see all your faces! In the meantime, check out this highly relevant daily devotional https://d365.org  (or on your phone with the app) that you can do alone or with your family.

For HIGH (9th-12th) SCHOOL YOUTH with Ranie Neislar: Let’s dig back into our life together through Zoom! I’ve missed seeing you all and can’t wait to hear about what you are doing during this unique time in our lives. I’ll be hosting a Zoom meeting to check-in and find the best time we can all be together *tomorrow* Sunday, March 22 from 5-5:30 PM. Click HERE to join. I’m also available for individual “coffee talk” conversations on Zoom beginning this week. To set up a meeting email me at  neislrh0@sewanee.edu . In the meantime, check out this app for brief (one minute!) daily devotions:  https://hallow.app.

ADULTS

FOR ALL ADULTS:   DAILY PRAYER: Many of us recognize those small booklets, Forward Day by Day, in the narthex. On this page, you will find the daily reflection from that booklet and many other sound prayers resources, including Morning, Noon, and Evening Prayer arranged in a bulletin like format that is clear and easy to follow.

FOR OUR PARENTS:  GROW CHRISTIANS is  a site with a rich mix of blogs and posts for parents and families practicing their faith at home with their kids.