How to Safely Meet

Fall Bible studies would normally start this month, but many areas are still under quarantine. So I asked readers what they’re doing to safely meet, and received back some innovative ideas! Thankfully, some report that quarantines have lifted in their areas and they are back to meeting, though with adjustments. That’s good news since God created us for fellowship.

But that’s not the case for all, so I’m making changes to how I post the videos—see the announcements at the end.

As you consider your upcoming Bible studies, here are ideas to safely meet, beginning with tips for meeting online.

Safely Meet Online

Many groups turned to online meetings using tools such as Zoom. In fact, several readers reported that Zoom meetings allowed out-of-town relatives and friends to join their local studies.

Lori C. began leading her group via Zoom in March. She writes, “We all repeatedly commented on the absolute perfect timing of that study [Discovering Joy in Philippians]. Great reminders that we don’t have it so bad as Paul, even though we may feel like we’re in a prison of sorts!” The photo is of Barbara Brittain Elliott’s Zoom meeting; she writes, “Here’s our group from New Braunfels, TX, meeting on Zoom and showing off our coloring!”

Marie T. also turned to Zoom, taking advantage of that platform to invite me to join with her group one week and answer questions. What a blessing for me!

Here are some tips I’ve learned about Zoom in the last few months.

Zoom Tips

• Take time to practice one-on-one with those who are less technically savvy
• To limit audio feedback, ask everyone to wear headphones or earbuds
• Never post the Zoom link on social media lest people who want to disrupt join
• In your weekly reminder email, include the Zoom link (and the link to the video if you’re using it)
• Email the Zoom and video links again fifteen minutes before the meeting so no one is late because they’re searching for a lost email
• If you’re using the videos, either (a) ask everyone to watch the video ahead of time;  or (b after your Zoom meeting starts, ask everyone to switch over to the video and return to Zoom when they’ve finished
• If you’re using the free version of Zoom, your meeting will be limited to 40 minutes, but everyone can rejoin for a second meeting, apparently using the same link

Safely Meet Outside in Socially Distanced Groups of 10

Whether it’s meeting in the church parking lot, a community park, or a large yard, some readers have found innovative ways to keep six feet apart so they can safely meet.

Lynne A. meets in a neighborhood park near her church, safely distanced. Lynne says they hope to draw attention to Jesus in the neighborhood.

Melissa T. has everyone bring their own beach chair and drinks to meet on her large driveway. Moshelle C.’s group enters a backyard through a side gate. They use the chairs the hostess sets out.

Inge S. limits her study to ten women, which is what her state allows. She says, “I felt since many would not be traveling as usual, and I am one of those that do best with regular meetings and accountability, it would be helpful to have something.” Her group meets in the church parking lot when the weather’s good. She kindly offered these tips.

Inge’s Tips

• In her weekly email, Inge reminds everyone to wear a mask and to speak more loudly than they would indoors
• Inge brings extra masks, a box of tissues, gloves, measuring tape, and disinfecting wipes
• They place the chairs in a circle six feet apart
• The women wear masks until everyone is seated; then most remove them
• They lift their heads in prayer so everyone can hear and agree in prayer
• After the meeting, they wipe down the chairs, door handles, and surfaces anyone has touched

Safely Meet Indoor in Socially Distanced Groups

No, the photograph is not from this year. I had to forego my annual luncheon with women in the Biola apologetics program this year because Biola canceled onsite classes. But here are ways others made meetings work.

Both Catherine K. and Marie T. have found rooms large enough for their groups to meet sitting six feet apart. Marie has continued a Zoom group for those who aren’t ready to meet in person yet. My own church is hoping to switch from Zoom to setting up circles of groups in the sanctuary.

Brenda M. teaches math and Bible to a homeschool group of high school boys and girls. She uses our studies for the Bible portion! She’s able to meet in a place where desks can be six feet apart.

Conclusion

There you have it: Tips to safely meet. Please tell us how you’re safely meeting in the comments!

Announcements

Since many groups cannot yet meet in person, I’m in the process of making all my videos available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRyshinDpD3kIv5y_tdxUtg. No passwords are needed. Feel free to forward this link those in your studies.

I plan to re-record some of the Discovering Joy in Philippians videos now that I know a little more about how to do it.  (I thank God for all the people who have given me much needed advice!) And I plan to start recording videos for Discovering Hope in the Psalms in just a few weeks, posting them every two weeks. I’ll let you know when they’re ready.

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Bible Studies to Consider

• Discovering Hope in the Psalms: Your hope will surge as you pray ten psalms of hope
• Discovering Joy in Philippians: Your joy will multiply as you practice Scripture’s joy-builders
• Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament: Your faith will soar as you see God’s eternal plan unfold