Sept. 15, 2020 • Volume 23, Issue 18 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com
WEAR A MASK!
INSIDE • Virtual learning ‘pods’ offer new options for students 10A • Bluffton Book Festival takes on different look 8A • ‘Queen of Monarchs’ helps conserve pollinators 16A • Learn about local history from the back of a bike 20A • Artist paints beauty of state flowers 24A
Communities of faith find new ways to reach congregations By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted every aspect of human life when the nation shut down in mid-March. That meant no large gatherings in churches – places where those of faith normally would seek solace in times of crisis. When the shutdown was mandated March 16 by Gov. Henry McMaster, first Pete Berntson said he prayed, then scrambled “to focus on virtual connections through live-streaming, daily email newsletters, Zoom sessions, and lots of phone calls and cards.” Berntson, pastor at Church of the Palms Methodist in Okatie, said his congregation reacted with “sadness and sense of loss, but also understanding. It was thought it would be a lot shorter duration than six-plus months.” “The initial reaction was very positive. Many of my members are senior citizens and have health concerns,” said Rev. Dr. Jon R. Black, pastor of Campbell Chapel AME Church in Bluffton. “In general, we do not view science and faith as being in opposition. Our members are appreciative of church leaders who follow science
during a pandemic.” The next step was ensuring that worship could continue somehow. A few parishes were ready. “For several years our worship gatherings have been live-streamed, so we were already in a position to be able to continue,” said Mark DeVaney, pastor at Cornerstone Church in Bluffton. “During the first few weeks, we hosted live services on Sunday, and then when we realized the shut-down would last longer than a few weeks, we started pre-recording our services and had live pastors and volunteers serving as hosts during the service. I guess you could say we didn’t miss a step other than meeting together in person.” Others found the decision to begin streaming services was made because of the pandemic. “When everything started shutting down, our session met and we just quickly closed down the church,” said Christine Herrin, pastor at Lowcountry Presbyterian Church in Bluffton. “What this whole pandemic did was kick us into realizing that we need to be doing live streaming in our sanctuary even after this is finished.” Herrin said the leadership wasn’t quite prepared for such a move, and relied on
Introducing… September 22
Bird Photography Call 843-645-7774 to RSVP or visit PortRoyalSoundFoundation.org!
October 6
Revolution & Renovation
October 20
Night Skies Over Beaufort County
In this screen shot of a recent service, Pastor Juan Rivera brings a live-streamed message Sept. 6 to a few parishioners at Church of the Cross, and additional viewers on the church’s website and YouTube channel.
associate pastor Rev. Stephanie Dion, a young minister, for help. Dion got a new iPhone, did some research and figured out the format. “Without her I don’t know what we would have done,” Herrin said. Mike Sylvester, director of Youth Ministry and Formation at St. Gregory the Great
Catholic Church, said their services and programs were moved online. “Though the buildings closed in March, the church itself did not cease,” Sylvester said. “We moved many programs to what
Please see CHURCH on page 8A