Church congregations in Eastbourne have doubled since becoming virtual and they are getting ready for Easter

The coronavirus pandemic has affected all parts of our lives and places of worship are no exception. Despite this, churches across the town are refusing to let the pandemic stop services and are embracing social media to make sure congregations can still come together to pray, at a time when people need their faith to help them through such a difficult time. If fact, the online services seem to be more popular than those delivered in churches

Churches adjusted quickly to the new online world and virtual congregations are more than double the size of those in more normal times.

Kings Church in Eastbourne live streamed service had 1,827 views for the first Sunday of the lockdown, with half watching live and the rest catching up later. Normal church attendance across the two church sites in Hampden Park and Seaside is 750.

St Mary’s Church Old Town and many others report similar increases in numbers following their live streamed services.

Vicar of St Mary’s, Fr Tom Mendle (pictured setting up his camera), holds a live daily Eucharist service on his Facebook page.

Fr David King, Vicar of St Andrew’s Church in Seaside has live streamed the traditional Stations of the Cross service on the church Facebook page as has Fr David Charles, Vicar of Christ Church with St Philip in Seaside.

Christ Church has also turned the hospitality area in the church building into a holding area for donations of food for the work of the Matthew 25 Mission as practical and spiritual support sit side by side.

All Saints, Victoria Baptist Church and Holy Trinity Church are among the churches who have a YouTube channel where the regular Sunday sermons can be viewed. Our town’s churches provide more than just a place of worship, with groups such as mums and toddlers using their space. As a result, several churches are still trying to support those people during lockdown and are providing resources and ideas for children and families to use at home.

Facebook is the most popular platform for most local churches, with a range of services and support groups posting live services and ‘Thought for the Day’ contributions to support spiritual wellbeing and bring hope in these uncertain times.

In a letter to isolating members of St John’s Church, Vicar Giles Carpenter said: “As Easter week approaches, we are reminded of the lonely journey Jesus took to the cross and the isolation he faced as even his heavenly Father turned away from him.

“When so many are facing loneliness at this difficult time, we can be assured that Jesus is with us and, because of his death and resurrection, we can each know the comfort of a loving relationship with him.”

Volunteers are vital to the running of any church and they have not stood down in the lockdown. The army of church volunteers who normally run toddler groups, lunch clubs and dozens of other community activities have also adapted to the new normal to give ongoing support to local people during the Covid-19 crisis.

Before the lockdown began, St John’s Church in Meads leafleted homes offering support by phone and help with shopping.

Volunteers from the church are currently supporting 40 local people as well as their own congregation of around 200, who keep in touch by phone through WhatsApp groups, Morning Prayer by Zoom video, and a weekly service online.

At the other end of town, Kings Church went online with its Love Eastbourne initiative also offering help.

Their 162 volunteers had about 50 requests for help in the first week of lockdown, with needs ranging from shopping and phone calls to prayer and dog walking. One couple with new triplets are receiving regular hot meals from the Kings Church volunteer team.

Adz Brennan, who is coordinating the Kings Church volunteers, said: “Everyone is so grateful, particularly older folk who have hardly spoken to anyone.”

Many of the church initiatives in Eastbourne are continuing to serve the community in spite of the lockdown. Linking Lives, the Eastbourne-based befriending charity, saw volunteer numbers increase by 80 percent in the first two weeks of lockdown.

One man, whose mum was visited by a volunteer, said: “It was so kind of the volunteer to bring my mother flowers today. She was particularly moved by a card from all the family.

“Beyond the call of duty but appreciated beyond measure. It boosted mum’s day.”

Eastbourne’s Matthew 25 Mission, the Beachy Head Chaplaincy service, Eastbourne Foodbank are also maintaining their support services with the help of local church volunteers.

Churches Together for Eastbourne is sending out regular news updates full of ideas and resources for churches to draw on during the Covid-19 crisis.

To find out more and request details email [email protected].