Local Restaurant

Yesterday while looking at the computer I saw that the local restaurant we go  to up north now has a drive by window for pick-ups. Yes, this pandemic has forced change in many ways, but if they didn't change, it would be the end of their business. I can't imagine what they did to make their building accessible, let alone the cost and other factors. 

Amazing what happens in the quiet of being alone, with time to ponder things. I got to thinking about other major changes that surely will follow but one has been catching my attention, especially with Easter approaching. The question is: "How will our churches minister to parishioners during this time?"

Many are cooped up in facilities with no family or friends being allowed to visit, kids are home from school, parents can't work, physical distance is being asked with the words "social distancing" but more than that, how do we stay connected in spite of it all?  And I go back to our spiritual organizations.

Then a bright thought came to mind...at least for me it was a bright thought!  What if there was a directory of all parishioners that provided emails, phone numbers etc. so a pastoral team could call those folks just to touch base and let them know they were thinking about them! If each parishioner had this directory we could call one another, too!  It would take less time than travel, but it certainly means a different energy especially if the parishioner was hard of hearing, didn't have a phone and other things. 

Maybe the connection would have to be with another family member who would have to relay this attempt to the shut-in.  But at least that person would know they were being supported and concern was shown. The call also wouldn't have to fall on just a small pastoral team.

I don't even know who to mention this to, being Saturday, offices closed and no phone numbers but Facebook, sharing the message, getting on the horn and talking...we can do it! We are all in this together. We are not helpless. And there's no reason to act hopeless. Even our pastors and leaders need our encouragement with ideas. The grassroots is a large arena for getting things done. We do not always need a council to take a vote.  

Is this a viable idea or not?  The schools are reaching out to those kids who are deprived of a meal so are delivering and making available bagged meals.  M

Courtesy of Pixabay

any are being deprived of spiritual meals too.  How can we deliver some spiritual support to those in need!  

If we don't figure out how to revamp our churches' ministries somehow, I'm afraid it will be the end of what is vitally important to many of us.  We can do it.  We are as good as the local restaurants but we need to take action now!   

Please share this post, please!  Thank you! And God bless each and every one of you.  Prayer is one thing but action springs from this prayer and our love of God!