On 18 September 2021, the Unitarian Digital Resources Network arranged for UK Unitarians to access training in delivering hybrid services from Rev. Kimberley Debus, who recently served as minister at First Universalist Church of Southold, New York in the US. She joined us via the marvels of modern technology (Zoom) and due to the time difference, got up at 5am (Eastern US Time) to start promptly at 11am (British Summer Time)! We were suitably grateful, )! We were suitably grateful, and also grateful to the Hibbert Trust for funding the sessions (there was an earlier one in July).

Hybrid worship is new for our era. In a world where we’re discovered the advantages and disadvantages of online worship, but where Covid has definitely not gone away, many congregations are trying for the best of both worlds, where services are held with members joining both in person in chapel and online via Zoom or a similar videoconferencing service. Many of us who’ve tried to do this know that it can work, but that it has some unique challenges. If there are more people in one group compared to the other, how do you ensure everyone feels equally present in the gathering?

Rev. Debus (joined at one point by her cat – it’s not a Zoom meeting without a cat) helped to guide us on the start to our journey into new forms of worship, beginning by inviting us to consider these questions:

• Is this a temporary position or a permanent shift?
• Is it about outreach to those not joining in online, outreach to those unable to attend in person, or both?
• Is it about expanding the resources available to engage people in worship, because it better facilitates sharing resources with other congregations – or both?

Worship starts at the entrance

When people join in person, be as clear as possible about where to enter, where to park, etc. And online; is it clear where to go, how to find the link, is there someone welcoming you when you get there? Think about the experience of coming in. We want it to feel welcoming and holy. Never forget the importance of coffee time and the social time. What does the space look like, both in person and online?

Technology, and remote worship leaders

A ‘tech host’ is an essential factor for success – both via Zoom and in person – so that the worship leader can concentrate on delivering the service. If people are joining by phone, be aware that long periods of silence may not work so well – it does not always work online either! There is a need to adapt all aspects of the service if you are going hybrid. One principle is that the online experience is not ever going to be the same as the in person experience, but we can aim to make it as close as possible – and realise its benefits.

Adam Slate at the New Unity congregation passed on these tips for delivering a   service when the worship leader is remote: “I’ve found it’s been helpful to have someone physically present do the chalice lighting, lead candles of joys and sorrows, etc., rather than doing too much of that remotely. Last time I was in that position, I did the sermon remotely and let the worship leader who was present in person do most of the rest.”

Preparation and inclusion

Worship leaders need to think how to have everyone equally involved in the service before it starts – can people have candles with them? Flowers? Stones? Objects? You can consider inviting people on Zoom be to speak during the service, if your technology will support this. The principle to bear in mind is that no-one should be excluded from any part of the services because of where they are and this needs considerable forethought.

It can be useful to have a camera facing the congregation to give a sense of who is present, but be aware that some people cannot or will not show their face on camera, and there can be safeguarding issues. It also helps to think about whether people physically in the room and online can interact with each other.

Overall it was a much appreciated session, and many thanks to UDRN for organising it!