Page Updated – 3/19/20

While the realities of Covid-19 mean that social distancing is now required to slow the spread of the disease, there are digital tools available to help communities remain connected even as we are physically separated.  One of the simplest tools to facilitate connection is Zoom (zoom.us), an online service that allows you to create video conferences from your computer, phone, or tablet. Even though Zoom is relatively easy to use, it is not free. To help support congregations, the Virginia Synod will reimburse congregations for a two month Zoom subscription for a Pro Account ($30) and will provide training on how to use this tool.

Here is the link to the Zoom pricing page: zoom.us/pricing.  On this page, you will see account options. You can sign up for a Basic Account which is free, but meetings are limited to 40 minutes or less.  You also have the option to sign up for Pro Account which allows you to have longer meetings, up to 100 people participating, and allows you to record your meetings. If you’d like to try Zoom, then create a personal Basic account and you can get a feel for how the tool works. Once you have created your account, please use this Zoom Reimbursement 2020 to submit your request for reimbursement.

Creating a Zoom Account

  • The Virginia Synod will reimburse up to 2 months of service with a Pro Account ($30).
  • Once you select the “Pro” options, you will be taken to a purchase page where you have the option to to sign up for a “year” or to sign up for a “month-to-month” subscription. You are free to sign up for the “year” plan and use the Synod reimbursement toward the total cost, if you choose.
  • The subscription requires a credit card or PayPal account to subscribe.
  • The month-to-month option will automatically renew. If you decide to stop using Zoom after two months, please be aware of when you need to cancel your subscription.
  • Use a church email account, not a personal account to create your congregation Zoom account.
  • If you don’t have a church only account, consider creating a new gmail account with identifying email for the church. For example, you might create an account like “GraceLutheranAnytown@gmail.com,” using your church name and location. Make sure more than one person has the id and password for this account.
  • When you create your account, Zoom will require the name of the individual signing up for the account. When you use the account you can change the name displayed on the screen to represent the individual using the account.
  • If you have questions about Zoom, please contact Lenae Osmandson at: osmondson@vasynod.org

Tips for Using Zoom

While Zoom is easy to use, there are a few simple tips that can help make the experience more productive and enjoyable. Use the links below to download a presentation the Virginia Synod put together on using Zoom. You can also download a powerpoint version or a pdf version of the presentation.

Resources for Being Church Online

For more information on licensing for online worship, please check the publisher’s website.  If you have questions about proper licensing, please contact Dave Delaney: delaney@vasynod.org.

Congregations Providing Online Worship

There are several online worship experiences and liturgies happening all around the Virginia Synod. Below we’ve collected a list of worship opportunities and included where you can participate with a worship experience, and what time these experiences are being held if they are live-streamed. If you would like your congregation online worship experience shared in this listing, please contact Pastor John Wertz Jr. at wertz@vasynod.org. We will be regularly updating this list as needed.

Online Worship Opportunities