Looks like many churches will be closing their doors this Sunday to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19.
Whether you choose to attend church or opt-out, my hope is that you would not allow others to shame you.
On that note, I thought I’d leave you with a few alternative ways to connect with God that do not include entering into a church building.
1. Go on a prayer walk/hike (in an open space) and talk to God about your fears.
2. Listen to your favorite worship album (or playlist) and tune into the feelings/thoughts that come up with each song. Stop after each song and talk to God about it.
3. Practice Lectio Divina (or just read your favorite Bible passage and meditate on it)
4. Watch/listen to your favorite speaker/teacher or attend church online.
5. Call someone that needs encouragement and just be present for them. Pray with them if they are open to it. (If not, just love them and be present anyhow)
6. Call a good friend and just be vulnerable about your current experience in life. Then ask them to be vulnerable about theirs. Pray for each other.
7. Create a Facebook group (or another online group) for friends and family for prayer, Bible study, and encouragement.
8. Daily reject shame and embrace grace.
9. Journal 1 to 10 things that you are grateful for and share your gratitude with someone else.
John Eli Garay, MBA/MS, LAC 
Yes, I know of a few churches closing.
Good list.
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What’s your favorite way to spend time with God outside of church?
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Pretty much both #1 and #2 of your list.
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Awesome! I know you love to sing. 🙂
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Yes, I DO!!!!
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Ours is closing. We have a nearby hiking area and we may go up and take a hike in the morning. Our weather was wonderful today. Good for the soul. 🙏🏻
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Absolutely. What is your favorite way to spend time with God outside of church?
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Outdoors! I walk most every weekend. Oh, and I got into the habit of talking to God on my way to work. Then I always get in a good prayer before I start my work day. I talk out loud so it’s kind of strange at first, but now I love it!
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I like to go for a jog and listen to Streetlights Bible. Which is the NLT being read to hiphops beats. When I’m done I talk to God about what I heard. 🙂
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I looked up Streetlights, that sounds like a great idea!
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Ours is closing, but streaming live online. This is a great list!
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Be safe out there. What is your favorite way to connect with God outside of the church building?
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I do Bible studies, read the Bible, listen to podcasts and church online. 😊
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I do a lot of the same. 🙂
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We are having worship services today, but our Sunday school teacher is having medical issues, with very low white blood cell count. Thus, I am teaching, but if only a couple show up, we may decide to stay home next week. I have already received e-mails from a few that are not coming. I plan to place a note in the attendance sheet that all absences should be excused during this period, if anyone is that worried about perfect attendance.
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Today is the National Day of Prayer. I have already prayed this morning and will continue to be in prayer throughout the day. God bless you for your suggestions…they are all good.
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