The opening song is familiar and sung with enthusiasm, then a 7-year-old gives a beautiful prayer. A scripture-based lesson identifies how inspired words written thousands of years ago apply to today’s circumstances. This church service is in the Connecticut home of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Years of practice learning together make Sunday services at home fairly simple for members in Connecticut and all around the world.

This week, in response to the outbreak of the new coronavirus, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints canceled all meetings worldwide including Sunday services, weekday youth activities, and early morning Seminary classes for high schoolers. Regional Temples throughout the world are closed or have very limited access.

The semi-annual General Conference broadcast of the Church is scheduled for April 4-5 from Salt Lake City to 16.5 million worldwide members in 94 different languages from a conference center seating up to 21,000 people. Out of concern for members’ health, this conference weekend will exclude members of the public who would normally attend in person.

Only United States leaders will attend, as those who planned to fly in from around the world have been asked to stay in their home countries. This historic gathering marks the 200th anniversary of the church, and members around the world will watch and listen from home via technology to the word of the Lord as we pray for and care for our neighbors and families.

More than 100 years ago, home and family study was initiated by President Joseph F. Smith. Beginning in 2019, the Church launched a home centered, church supported curriculum. All adults and teens study and learn individually then teach each other and their families from the same scriptural workbook. Age-appropriate adaptations, coloring sheets, and visual aids for children ages 2-11 are available separately so each member develops speaking and teaching skills.

Scriptures, hymnals, piano accompaniment of hymns, and singing version of hymns and children’s songs are available at no cost online and through free smart phone apps. Scriptural videos and 40 years of uplifting, instructional talks are available to watch, listen, or read in an expansive library available to all.

Fast-forward to this month, where individuals and families gather on Sunday morning to do, on a smaller scale, what they do every Sunday; pray, sing, teach, and learn together. As our churches have no paid clergy or staff, most adults and youth are regularly asked to care for and minister to individuals and families so needs may be identified and resources provided.

Although we’ll miss seeing each other in person and don’t know how long we’ll be asked to remain apart physically, we’ll minister to each other and continue to do all we can to recognize Jesus’ influence in our lives.

Elizabeth Saede is the communication director of the New London Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which covers eight congregations and 60 towns in eastern Connecticut.