Dear Friends in Christ Jesus,
Greetings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Savior and Healer of the world!
I pray that you are each well and continue to stay safe during the COVID pandemic. I had a text this morning from a friend in Pennsylvania where they are shutting down again after a spike in infections. She said, “What a mess!” and it certainly does feel that way. A news article this week reported the experts saying we could get through the worst if everyone in the country would wear masks for four-six weeks. It sounds so simple but the reality is that this pandemic, sadly, has been politicized and now divides us instead of uniting us. It makes me wonder how we will ever win the battle against this virus if we aren’t all dedicated to the single purpose of reducing infection and loss of life. I’m asking for us continue to pray for all those in the front lines of the overburdened hospitals and health care facilities, those who struggle to remain safe in their work and home settings, and those who are sick or grieving the loss of loved ones. We are still praying at 8 am and 8 pm, daily, for our church, community, the nation and the world!
Now for updates on the status of our work at United Ministry. This week all the required paperwork for reopening was submitted to DS, Karen Monk. Once I’ve heard from Rev. Monk, I will ask Deb to send out the worship protocols and a brief survey asking how you feel about returning to worship, especially how safe you will feel once you’ve seen our action plans. I hope you’ll all take the few moments to give us your feedback!
While we wait for DS Monk’s approval, we a completing a number of tasks that must be done to assure we’re ready for reopening, including: signage for the church doors and building regarding our COVID protocols, installation of projection screens in the sanctuary, trial-runs for our streamed worship services, and placement of needed supplies throughout the building. The good news is that our technology and equipment have arrived and we can begin to set things in place! Dates have been scheduled for trial-runs with Chelsea Frisbee who will do sound and equipment checks with Pat Nabinger and myself so that our worship services go smoothly. The supplies, such as hand sanitizers, etc. are in the building and will be installed within the next two weeks. In addition, Bibles and hymnals have been removed from the sanctuary and other meeting rooms and are safely stored for future use. Windows and curtains throughout the building have been cleaned and we have scheduled proposed dates in August to complete the painting. The trustees are working on the repairs needed including the outside wall/foundation, downstairs bathrooms, floors and walkways, which should be done by September. In addition, a gardener has been found and our garden will be cleaned up and restored, shortly. Deb Kearney and I are planning a very abbreviated newsletter, which will be sent in August or early September, as we start to resume worship and possibly other small group meetings. Now, I’m just waiting to hear that we can increase our worship attendance so that we are able to seat all our regular Sunday worshipers. Let’s keep hoping and praying for continued good news regarding COVID infections in NY State and our neighboring states of NJ and CT. I expect the governors will open things further based on that information. Let me say again that I continue to be impressed with and grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to help us be so far along with our preparations! We will be ready when the approval is given.
Just this week I’ve saved for re-reading some news stories about COVID brain, How to Deal with Bullies, Emotional Numbing and Withdrawal caused by stressors including the pandemic, economic worries, uncertainty about the future, and anxiety regarding the cultural changes we are experiencing. Adaptability and a heart at peace are needed now, more than ever, to face the challenges each day brings. I hope that you are remembering the stages of grief (Denial, Bargaining, Depression, Anger and Acceptance – not necessary in any order). As we go about our daily life, it’s helpful to remember that these emotions are emerging within us and others around us. As the old saying goes “Different strokes for different folks” applies – as we each respond differently to challenges and to our day to day experience with the grief we feel over the dramatic departure of “normal life”. Will that old way of life ever return? Who knows? So, we must also remain adaptable and remember that change creates both chaos and opportunity. While things are no longer as they were, this is a wonderful time to assess each part of life and reconsider how we want our lives and the world to become as we move ahead. Personally, I see positive changes as families draw closer together, return to “at home” activities, and reach out to explore the world in ways they may never have before. For example, kayaks and camping gear, bicycles and yard games are very difficult to find, right now, partly because so many people want them. This may be a good thing for our children and communities as it seems to offer a return to a simpler, relaxed home and family-centered life. Of course, we are still learning what all this will mean in the long-term and for our families and communities, but the opportunities are there to make positive changes instead of longing for the past and living with a focus on the negatives and challenges this time has brought. And of course, there is God at work in all of this, guiding and encouraging us to keep within us the hope, love, joy and peace that bring God’s active presence into the world – even during dark and uncertain times. Keep the faith! God hasn’t finished with us, yet!
Now until next time – remember, I love you and I need you to survive!
Peace,
Betsy
