August 2020
Dear Friends:
I am thankful everyday for the gifts of phone, computer, and internet. Without them, I would not be able to catch daily glimpses of my grandson as he grows and changes; I would not be able to converse with my daughters and know how their daily life and work is going. WITH these technologies, I am able to stay connected to family and to the good people of RHUMC.
I know I am not alone in reaching for every possible opportunity to extend and receive care through texts, emails, phone and conference calls, and social media postings. When you were asked recently (via email) to complete a survey and comment on what, beyond online worship, has helped you to feel connected to the church, many of you mentioned email and telephone exchanges with one another and church staff members. You referenced participating in Bible studies, book discussions, Sister Circle gatherings, committee meetings, a weekly brunch with friends, and periodic check-ins with one of the church’s musical groups, all by means of Zoom. You expressed appreciation for the Cornerstone, the recorded and live-streamed concerts, the weekend worship and Sunday School emails, and the prayer chain emails. Of course we would prefer to have the option of living our lives together in person, but these other means of connecting offer wonderful opportunities for encouragement and support in this time of considerable isolation.
I am equally thankful for the creativity of persons among us who are taking the time to send personal notes, deliver small gifts, and be helpful to friends and neighbors in the community. Some of you are coming by the church campus to individually carry out a repair, cleanup, or record-keeping project; to bring your financial contribution; to pray in the Meditation Garden; to donate supplies to the children’s Sunday School; to collect a copy of the Upper Room Devotional Guide, or to pick up your bread and juice for communion. Sometimes I get to cross paths with you, either in passing or by appointment, and that is always a joy. When it comes to addressing spiritual or personal concerns, I’ve been glad to be able to meet by phone, or using Zoom, or by agreeing on an outdoor time and place for private conversation.
God has not left us without resources! Among God’s blessings highlighted in your survey responses are the RHUMC memories we carry with us wherever we are, and the sense of sustenance that comes from remembering that God is always with us. I pray for your well- being and am trusting in God’s Spirit to find ever new ways to keep us joined to one another in the service of Christ.
