The following was written by the Rev. Justin Murff, Executive Director of the Mena Collective, a global giving community supporting fellow Christian communities throughout the Greater Middle East and North Africa. We are grateful for this Holy Week resource as we are given the opportunity to join in with brothers and sisters across the globe.
For the first time in Christian history, the vast majority of believers will be celebrating Holy Week alone and isolated from their fellow Christians. In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, many churches have scrambled to offer prayers and services online. However, streaming Sunday service simply isn’t enough. We must be intentional about building authentic Christian communities online as well. The ministry of our churches doesn’t end because we can’t celebrate in person. It’s only taking on a new form that is broadening our reach and ministries.
Nestled just inside of the the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City sits Christ Church, the oldest Protestant church in the Middle East and the home of CMJ Ministries. Sheltered in place and under lockdown in Jerusalem, the ministry staff of Christ Church and CMJ are offering daily prayers and services live from Jerusalem this Holy Week. This is a great opportunity to gather with fellow believers online from around the world and worship together this Easter season. Services are being offered for European, US Eastern, and US Western timezones. Christ Church also created a social media prayer team to minister and pray with people who are watching the services. To access these services, visit the Christ Church Facebook page.
