There’s a debate raging as to how essential churches are to our communities. In states, like New York and California, they’ve been classified as non-essential. But are they? Churches are essential to our communities, not just to help meet the physical needs of the poor and the needy with food banks, clothing closets, homeless shelters, adoption, and foster care agencies, and pregnancy care centers; they, more importantly, meet the needs of the souls for the poor in spirit. In a time of fear where an invisible disease threatens life and health, people need a place of refuge and hope. Zoom and Facebook Live have helped us stay in touch with the church but virtual connection through a screen cannot replace communal encouragement and ministry offered in regular church gatherings.