Churches throughout Scotland took to the internet as their buildings were closed due to the Coronavirus Covid-19 epidemic.

Ministers used their own websites, Facebook Live, YouTube and other platforms to livestream services to their members and the wider community.

While a growing number of churches already livestream or record their services, for others it was a first time, and many ministers and worship leaders had a steep learning curve as they got to grips with the technology.

The Rev Joanne Hood of St John’s Church in Hamilton used the videoconferencing service Zoom to lead her service, and said it had been ‘an uplifting tonic for body, mind and soul – just what we need’.

Mrs Hood said: “It was great fun and everyone really appreciated the opportunity to see and hear each other, particularly those already having to self-isolate.

“We had all ages, and some of our younger adult members who live and work further away now joined us, which everyone appreciated.

“There were some comedy moments of folk not realising their conversations were also being seen and heard by a wider audience but it all added to the joy of the thing and I got a lot of messages and emails afterwards saying how welcome all these elements of the time together truly were. “Some might even say it’s potentially (given a bit of time to master the medium) better than what we’re able to offer from our buildings... but I couldn’t possibly comment!”

St Ninian’s Church in Dunfermline used Facebook Live, an experience which the minister, the Rev Carolann Erskine, described as ‘both a challenge and a blessing’. She said: “Our church does not have, nor can we afford, the technology that we need for recording services; and in any case, technology is not my strong point. “However, God is good. After a time of prayer, I decided to rise to the challenge of these difficult times and be courageous. Another church very kindly lent us a digital hymnal so I was able to learn how to programme it with the choice of hymns.

“This first attempt was not perfect but, like a baby bird learning how to fly, improvements can always be made.

“I felt strange, but not alone, like a sense that people were praying for me. Having gathered the kindling, the spark was there to nourish the flame that will not be put out. Feedback has been overwhelming. I’m humbled at such encouragement and for such kindness which in itself is a mode of blessing. I felt that God took my simple awkward offering and blessed it.”

A list of churches which livestream their services is available on the Church of Scotland website, or visit your local church’s website or Facebook page to see if they are offering anything locally.

Nationally, the Weekly Worship team based in the Faith Nurture department of the Church will be providing a short act of worship online, led by a range of people from across the Church. The videos are available on YouTube (search for Church of Scotland Weekly Worship).

The online pioneer ministry Sanctuary First is also offering daily worship and a ‘virtual coffee shop’ at www.sanctuaryfirst.org.uk

The Priority Areas team is running a series of free online Community Check-in events for conversation and worship for their congregations, running between March and June. As well as sharing news, they will join together in prayer.