Scripture
“May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are out of each other’s sight.” (Genesis 31:49)
Reflections
It was Friday afternoon and LPS had just announced that they would be closing school for seven days to try and halt the spread of coronavirus. As I left church on Friday afternoon my mind was racing of all the things I should get done so that I could hunker down for the weekend and week if needed. I called my mom to see what she needed as she’s 75 with lung issues. I went to the grocery store: sanitizer, bleach, toilet paper, food, check. Of course I can’t forget my diet coke, check, check, check! I made sure I had enough cat and dog food, all prescriptions were filled. Got home and sanitized my house, made sure my son (who still works outside the home) and daughter know how important it is to wash hands, keep a distance, and if someone is sick, stay away. I did everything that is recommended to do during this time of uncertainty.
As I sat on my couch Friday evening the thought came to me, I don’t have to get up early on Sunday morning for church, as we canceled services. As worship staff, it would be a treat to get both Saturday and Sunday off. I was determined to make the most of it. I’m going to sleep in, find a good book, or watch a movie or two and just relax for the day. I turned off my alarm and went to bed. Sunday came and even without the alarm I got up the same time I always do, I couldn’t find a book that interested me or a movie to hold my attention because something felt off, wrong, missing.
For the last 12 years my Sunday mornings have been filled with getting things ready for worship, teaching the children during Children’s Time, listening, singing, but most importantly being surrounded by my community of faith, my people. Being at church with those I’ve known for years, as well as visitors and worshiping together feeds something in me and lifts me up for the coming week. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way.
As we adjust to our new “normal”, we need to remember that although we can’t gather together, we are still a community of faith. The staff of Christ United Methodist Church are here for you, whatever you may need. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. I also encourage you to check in on Sunday mornings at 11:00 am on Facebook for our livestream service or during the week on our website for the recorded version. Until we can gather again …….“may the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are out of each other’s sight.” (Genesis 31:49)
-- Written by Kim Garrison, Christ UMC Program Director
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Since many of the volunteers at the food pantry at ConnectioN Point were UNL students, who have gone home, we are in desperate need of volunteers to help run OpeN Shelf. If you could volunteer to be one who helps oversee the food pantry, please call Pastor Beth at 402-413-0017. The food pantry is open 2-5 pm every weekday. We need help for Wednesday-Friday this week.
2. Also, if you are interesting in volunteering to help during the coronavirus by running errands, such as going to grocery story, the pharmacy, or the post office for church members who are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus, then please send us an email at ChristUMCHelps@gmail.com. Please give us your name and time availability. We will keep a list and let you know how you can help.
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