https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxsqwHW4D7Ln9Li4ipO2QOg?fbclid=IwAR1DlO-NkqUHo4POUYuvzYlCQ4p75_iHYrTLpIYzj5yCeYC-jI3hBmb85j4
Today was a really good day. I feel like one of the early American Methodist preachers, who preached and visited during the week from house to house. It doesn't feel sad because of COVID-19. It feels exciting, like we are "back to the basics" of what it means to be the church.
Because of Stacie's brainstorm on how Sandy and I could meet the children of our church during these weird times of pandemic, we joined her this morning for my very first "Popsicle Parade." We showed up with Stacie and her cooler of frozen treats, meeting the first set of families with kids in our children's program and visiting at their doorstep or driveway. And yes, one of the popsicles tasted really good when it started getting warm outside.
It was a delightful morning, and I can't wait to meet the rest of our families with kids. Watch for the Popsicle Parade coming to your neighborhood!
Starting out in a new ministry setting is strange due to COVID, and yet I'm realizing how wonderful it will be. After we finish parading with popsicles over the next few days, I plan to make the rounds to visit our homebound members (socially distanced, with masks, and on the porch steps or through the glass door ... whatever is safe). We will also jump into our "Socially Distanced Socials with Steve and Sandy" in neighborhoods or out under the big tree by the Garden of Eatin.'
This afternoon, I heard some news from the congregation I just came from. Their new pastor's wife tested positive for COVID-19, and they've had to shut down and go back to online-only worship for a few weeks. I'm sad for them, but I feel truly blessed. I'm also aware that we simply have to watch and pray, and be flexible along the way.
So, let's enjoy the strange and wonderful adventure of figuring out the next few weeks and months together. I met with program staff and then trustees yesterday to begin laying out plans to communicate to you about reopening things one step at a time, after meeting with the leaders of Thrive last week to put together a timeline for rebooting. Then today our governor announced an ordinance that requires masks in most public situations, so it all feels like aiming for a moving target. But the God we serve is the rock, the firm foundation of our unwavering faith. We will publish our plans in the next few days so you know what to expect, but they are indeed flexible plans and I personally appreciate everyone's patience.
Thanks for such a warm welcome into the continuing adventure of trusting in the Lord with all your heart, and leaning not on your own understanding. In all our ways, let's submit to God, and he will make our paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)