New Forest churches going 'hybrid' to keep services going
The Avon Valley Churches are adapting to stay in touch with their community
The churches that cover the parishes of Fordingbridge (with Sandleheath and Godshill), Hyde, Breamore, and Hale and Woodgreen say they're 'determined' to continue their work both during the Covid-19 restrictions.
They're now describing themselves as 'hybrid' church, providing in-person worships combined with online activities.
The team's also been doing their best to keep in touch with those who have been shielding since the start of the pandemic.
WHAT ARE THEY DOING?
As well as their more traditional service when restrictions have allowed, the Avon Valley Churches have been producing daily online videos, ranging from a Thought of the Day, to interviews and reflections.
They've been uploaded to the churches' Facebook and YouTube channels.
There's also been efforts to reach out to the younger members of the community, with things like Messy Church, Youth Space and Bible Bedtimes.
Canon Gary Philbrick, Rector of the Avon Valley Churches, said:
"In spite of all of the awful things which Covid has caused, there have been some joys - and reaching out to so many people, locally, wider afield, from our congregations, and those with whom we've never had contact before, has been one of them. It's been a steep, but wonderful, learning journey for us all. The Church is now online (but definitely not 'virtual'), but we've also discovered more than ever how important our physical meetings in Church are as well - we've become a 'Hybrid Church'."
Some of the posts they've uploaded have been receiving up to 5,000 views in a month.
Reverend Kate Wilson of Avon Valley Churches said:
"There are five separate congregations out there whom we are reaching: our regular members and online followers, those who don't come to church and are now attending online, those who only come to big events such as Christmas and weddings, those who are curious but reluctant and those who think church is irrelevant. We are reaching out to all of these people with kindness when they need it most, and we hope our Hybrid Church will continue to grow and be of benefit to everyone."