I came to a realization that such communities could only exist because one had to try to be a part of it, look for it, and actively participate to create a unique atmosphere. When things are too easy (look up and online event, buy a ticket, and just go), it doesn't signal commitment to the group you're a part of and culture doesn't stick around. Obviously there are billions of exceptions, but it might be hard to revive an environment like that nowadays.
It's the whole sense of nostalgic feelings that I've never lived through that bothers me while reading through the article, as I genuinely wish I could experience that in person...
There was an article in the Atlantic a bit ago arguing that a primary problem for the modern church - the reason why people were leaving - wasn’t because the church asked too much of them, but because it asked too little - that there was no cost to being a member, and therefore no sacrifice, and sacrifice is how we bind ourselves to a group or an idea. Caveats for organized religion and its merit all around, but the idea struck me as basically true and accords with what you’re saying: if you can assume or drop an identity as whims dictate, is it really an identity? Can you really belong to a group without making some kind of genuinely meaningful commitment? And, to your point, what are the ramifications for the modern internet world if not?
The Christ church expects people to give up their Sunday. This was a small sacrifice until people got disposable income to take their family to the beach or a theme park.
Sunday mornings didn't mean much in the year 1224 (what else were people going to do?) but they do in 2024.