OUTREACH AND CARE DURING CORONAVIRUS
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen.
(The Church of England)
As we continue to figure out how to navigate new ways of taking care of one another during Coronavirus, I wanted to update you on what's happening at Grace. Even though we aren't gathering on Sundays, we are finding meaningful ways to stay connected.
- Every Sunday, we send out an email with the bulletin and sermon (written and audio).
- We are mailing hard copies of the Enews, sermon, and bulletin to anyone without internet access.
- Our Vestry is calling all members to make sure everyone has what they need.
- I am calling individuals and sending out letters to say hello and share a prayer.
- Even though our Lenten Lunch Series was cancelled, we have continued to receive our weekly food order from Maidens Cafe. We are delivering those meals to members of our congregation and community.
- Members are coming by periodically to keep our freezer stocked with food to share with anyone who is in need.
- We are planting salad greens in the garden this week to share with families who may be running short on food.
- We are holding our Lenten Lunch discussions by Zoom conference call every Thursday.
- The Men's Group is meeting for the first time using Zoom (see details below).
- We sent out resources for at-home worship.
- I continue to offer pastoral care by phone or, if urgent, in person.
Getting through this time of uncertainty means we all have to reach out and help where ever we can. Here are some ideas to consider:
- The Food Pantry is in need of food now more than ever. Drop donations off on the porch of the Parish Hall and we will deliver it to Goochland Cares for you.
- Send a card or call someone who lives alone. See if they need anything. This is a great way for kids to help care for others!
- Buy gift cards for local businesses (online or in person) to help them keep going.
- Offer to walk dogs or run errands for older adults who may feel uncomfortable going out themselves.
- Do something nice for the folks who work at the grocery store and pharmacy. Give them a gift card to Dunkin or get your kids to write a thank you note for their hard work.
Even though this is a difficult time to navigate, let it also be a beautiful time of connection and caring. If there is something you need, please email or call me. We will keep the outreach and care going to uplift you in the weeks ahead.
In the meantime, keep praying.
Emily
