You may have seen where I was cited i
n The
Columbian shortly after the pandemic began. "
The Rev. Christopher Gudger-Raines placed a canister of oatmeal in each box before passing it down the assembly line. When asked what brought him to the Clark County Food Bank on Wednesday afternoon, Gudger-Raines replied: hope." ("In face of virus, Clark county charities rely on Volunteers," March 22, 2020)
You will notice that this citation was a paraphrase. What I actually said was "I am volunteering to not feel so hopeless". I can understand why they softened the quote. I also asked to not be photographed because I looked and felt terrible...not unhealthy, just anxious.
Which brings us to our Mission Statement: "Love God, Love People, Serve Both". I'll have to admit the serving people part has fallen away from me. We all have protective tendencies when we are anxious; mine is to withdraw. Ultimately, I haven't kept up my volunteering.
As I am writing this, Governor Inslee has frozen all county phased advancements indefinitely. So, we're stuck in phase 2 for the foreseeable future. Our plan to reopen cannot proceed for the time being. That means worship online is still where we're at. If you need help getting connected, please let us know so we can help. If you need a device or technical assistance, let us help you find what you need.
In the meantime, we must return to serving people. To that end, throughout the month of August, I am hosting Zoom sessions on how we can return to serving our community. I'd like all members to attend at least one. And I am having several sessions so attendance can be small enough for a deep conversation. Please see the attached schedule of Zoom sessions. Please call or email me the one you'd like to attend.
If Serving People is our Mission, our Mission must matter during the more challenging times. Let us commit to our Mission. Thank you.
Service Listening Sessions
- Wednesdays, 12 noon: August 5, 12, 19, 26
- Sundays, 6:30pm: August 9, 16, 23, 30
I have some starter questions for each of these sessions.
- What needs are seeing or hearing about in our community?
- In what ways do you think Orchards UMC can serve our community as the pandemic lingers?
As this unprecedented year unfolds, let us find ways to love well and to serve with integrity.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Christopher
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