The coronavirus has brought change to faith communities across the state and the world. Churches that closed down during the spring are now holding in person worship either inside or outside, streaming or both. One denomination, by cancelling in person events, has managed to virtually unite their members simultaneously this summer.
This spring Jehovah’s Witnesses, like other faiths, shut down their regular, in person gatherings.
In April they made the decision to cancel their annual regional conventions, like the one in Billings at MetraPark, usually held in late May.
Robert Hendriks is the U.S. spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
"Was it a difficult decision. No doubt about it. It was an emotional decision," Hendriks said.
Their replacement for regional in-person conventions is one virtual convention.
"And so all over the world for the first time Jehovah’s Witnesses are experiencing the conventions together along with their invited guests," Hendriks said.
The convention is now being streamed in mini installments over six weekends this summer, to local congregations worldwide, translated in over 500 languages.
The theme is rejoice.
"Talking about how to maintain joy in one of the most difficult environments that many of us had to face in our lifetime," Hendriks said.
The installments began July 11 and 12 and will conclude the end of Aug.
