LOCKDOWN has seen a Warwickshire church expand its congregation around the world.
Worshippers from as far away as Australia and Germany have been watching live services streamed online by Lillington Parish Church in Leamington since the coronavirus outbreak hit.
And up to 140 homes are clicking to watch each time.
After undergoing a steep technological learning curve, vicar William Smith now leads a weekly pattern of no fewer than seven services.
They all take place in the lounge of his vicarage, and he hangs his own religious paintings on the wall to provide a suitable atmosphere.
In addition more than a dozen church members, including children have recorded video contributions of talks, prayers or Bible readings to be played into the services.
Rev Smith said: “Despite the perils of ‘live’ transmission when things don’t always go according to plan, the benefits are considerable. When people tune in, they know that what we are saying and doing is being done ‘together’.
“The church has always been a place of great companionship and support which people miss terribly. The services allow us to be reminded that the church is much more than the building, and that with new technology we can still see and communicate with each other.
“The response has been fantastic with people inviting friends and family from all around the country and indeed around the world to join with us. When everything eventually returns to normal, the ‘door’ of the church will have widened considerably and we hope to continue our on-line ministry as we go forward.”
The Communion services are at 10am on Sundays and Wednesdays, with Night Prayer at 7 pm on Mondays to Fridays.
Visit www.lillingtonparishchurch.org to watch live or on catch up.
