By Suzanna Carmine
Some of you may have been wondering about this invisible other place you hear about at church…the “online balcony” as I like to call it. (Yes, I do know that choir-loft would sound more churchy, but believe me, if you could hear me singing you would KNOW I do not belong in the choir loft!!!)
Well, rest easy, I am here to tell you all about my experience worshipping in the online balcony! (Who am I, you ask? I am Suzanna! I am from Bozeman but live in Hamilton now.) The first and most important thing is that I NEVER “watch” church---I GO to church! I am worshipping right along with all of you who are there in person---and others in the online balcony too---fully present in heart and spirit, just not physically.
As soon as the newsletter comes out on Friday, I print the bulletin and mark the songs in my hymnal with ribbon markers. On Sunday morning I use a cable to connect the computer to my TV and for the next hour or so that corner of the room becomes the front of the church and I am right there with you! I have my bulletin and hymnal out and ready, and off we go! On Communion Sundays I light a candle and set out the chalice I was given for my Confirmation, along with a set of prepackaged elements (just like you have!).
As everyone is arriving there, I am here saying hi to everyone that I recognize. My most enthusiastic greeting is always for Mrs. Beasley---most of you know her as Donna. She was my 1st Grade teacher and hands-down my favorite teacher ever! After I’ve said hi to everyone and waved excitedly to Mrs. Beasley, I settle into my chair to listen to the prelude and prepare for worship.
And really, from there on, my experience is pretty much the same as yours…I laugh (sometimes cry), listen, pray, join in the responses, sing the hymns when I can and am learning to do the signs for the Doxology, right along with you! I am so immersed in being there that sometimes I am surprised when church is over and the weather outside my window doesn’t match!
So even though you can’t see me, know that I am there with you every week! Can’t wait to see you again this Sunday! I’ll be waving from the online balcony!!!
