King of Life (KOL) Lutheran Church in Coquitlam, B.C. has embraced the “hybrid model” by combining in-person worship with Zoom. It has been a fabulous way of including those who aren’t able to worship in person for a variety of reasons (moved out of the neighbourhood, illness, vacation, mobility challenges, etc) with the congregation. During the sharing of the peace, many of those worshipping in person willshare the peace with those on Zoom. There is a time of connection after the service as those on Zoom check in with each other and the members of the congregation stop to say hello. Parts of the service are recorded on Zoom and uploaded to KOL’s website and YouTube channel. This hybrid model has been utilized for weddings, baptisms, memorial services and celebrations of life. We started with just a laptop and over time the internet connection was enhanced and a microphone and camera were added. This use of technology has definitely expanded our definition, mission and outreach of “the church”.—Carmen Laing Ewles, Eagle Bay, BC (formerly of Port Moody, BC) and faithful “KOL Zoomer”
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