We’ve all been (and still) through the wringer with the COVID19 virus and responses. But, as long as there’s life, there’s hope. In good times and bad, the mission of Jesus of healing hurting people and a broken world go on.
What are the broad areas that our church today needs to keep in mind as we move forward?
* We Are People on a Mission – The mission of Jesus goes on. This mission of gathering God’s people into His Kingdom, of healing, doing justice, acting lovingly, showing mercy, and making a practical difference in our neighborhoods, towns, and communities goes on. In whatever circumstance, we strive to keep our eyes on the goal and respond as Jesus would.
*The Prize Goes to the Flexible, the Adaptive, the Resilient – Following on being faithful to Jesus’s mission is the necessity of being flexible, adaptive, and creative. Nature shows us it’s not the strong that survive, but those species and individuals that can adapt to changes. Just as a porpoise looks ahead adjusts herself to the currents, so we as Christians must keep our eyes on Jesus and adjust ourselves to life’s circumstances; this is resilience!
*We Must Engage Our People in New Ways – As COVID19 has shown us, we are in a new age. We have not met face to face to worship since March. WE have shifted our services online to comply with the CDC guidance. The experience has been interesting in many ways. We hope and pray to resume our in building services on August 16 with the wonderful baptism of little Miles Thompson. Now we must amp up our communications with such things as 1) having text numbers and emails, 2) maximize our weekly post on Facebook, YouTube, website 3) consider more online options for services like Bible studies, Spiritual development, Community virtual/online group support and 4) recruit people who are tech savvy (young) to help us in these efforts.
* Address the World’s Real Problems – COVID19 has shown us the real issues and challenges some people face every day. As Christians and a parish we will only be relevant to people if we tackle real issues: Suicide, drug overdose, struggles in relationships, loss of lovability…. once we grasp the issues, we can use the Gospel to address those issues. We don’t have to address things perfectly, but we have to try.
* Be Signed Up with Pledges and Electronic Giving – With people traveling, with irregular attendance, and with outbreaks like COVID19, we need to find way for everyone continue supporting the ministry of the church. The church relies on the regular financial support of our people. This support enables our vital ministries to continue. Electronic support will go a long way toward stabilizing our weekly and monthly and yearly donations.
* Continue Planning and Building Campaign Planning – Today, thriving churches make long-range plans. Every successful organization is making plans right now. When COVID19 subsides, all kinds of organizations will be at the capital campaign starting line. We have building needs, we must make plans and be one of the first ones out of the chute. The earlier we start; the more successful building campaign will be.
* Be Intentional About Community Building. The church is God’s people. Just as we enjoy our family and friends, we enjoy each other. COVID19 has taught us not to take our friendships for granted. We will be creating religious/spiritual opportunities to bring people together and to celebrate. That will be the main goal of the Canon Woolley Pastoral Care Center (CWPCC) which will open officially on Sunday, October 4,2020. More to come on this announcement.
We are praying for a fresh and safe reunion after months of isolations. May God help us.
