EAST LONGMEADOW - Every chair at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is empty. The church in East Longmeadow is typically packed with people. It’s not usually empty, but recently that has become the norm. 

Father Peter Swarr, Rector at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. said, “This is a time when we are doing social distancing and its easy for people to be disconnected from each other."

In efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, church services are canceled. St. Mark’s started live streaming on social media last fall so they were prepared and equipped to continue reaching their members. 

"I know there is numerous Jewish synagogues and mosques and Christian churches that are doing this,” said Swarr. “It’s a great way for us to each out."

In addition to Sunday service, every week night at 8 PM, the church goes live with Compline, a form of bed time prayers. 

"Prayer, for well over 2000 years, has been a good way people have found some peace in the midst of the storm,” Swarr said. 

So at 8 PM for the first service, they all prayed. Through online comments, people were able to connect with one another in a difficult time. 

"It gave a sense of community, it gave a sense of connection, it gave a sense of calm and peace and normalcy,” said Swarr.