RE: "FaceTime, Zoom calls, online meetups, virtual communities and the Metaverse all may be fun and interesting modes of communicating...."

This Lutheran parishioner has found videoconferencing to be tremendously valuable in maintaining a Bible study group that otherwise would have disbanded with the arrival of COVID. Over the past 18 months, people many miles apart have come together virtually most Friday evenings for fellowship, and prayer. The two hours we set aside often go by much too fast. Through these difficult months with no shortage of personal challenges even apart from COVID, our increased understanding of God and of one another has engendered spiritual joy that I would like to see multiplied across my congregation and elsewhere.

Consider these aspects of being the body of Christ:
• "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)
• "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Gal. 6:2 ESV)
• "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)

We can certainly meet virtually to demonstrate our love for one another, bear one another's burdens, and stir up one another to love and good works. There is no question that videoconferencing can help brothers and sisters in Christ support one another in a manner that pleases God and, by his grace, brings greater fruitfulness and blessedness to his own glory.