Dear friends,
It is Sunday afternoon. This morning, our little congregation in rural Ohio, worshiped together in person in the gym, at tables, physically distanced and no music. The service was edited and uploaded to YouTube and Facebook. Then we had parking lot Communion for those who wanted to partake but not comfortable participating in in-person worship. That was all before noon.
I have been thinking back to that first letter I wrote to you in March as our lives changed drastically. I never thought we would still be here. In Ohio, we acted fast and kept our number low. Since July 4th our numbers have rapidly increased. Our little county rose over 25% in one week mostly due to a winery special event night. The what-ifs run rampant as we try to plan for the congregation and the daycare.
And yet, we are people of hope. We continue to look forward faithfully. We continue to figure out new ways of being church together. We continue to plan for the rest of summer while looking to the fall programs. On top of that, many of us are being called to hold those crucial conversations about racism, Black Lives Matter, blue lives matter, politics, and so much more.
Yesterday I was talking with a young woman who was just exhausted trying to juggle everything Covid and non-Covid. I reminded her of the story of Moses and Aaron in Exodus 17...
12
When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up-one on one side, one on the other-so that his hands remained steady till sunset.
Exodus 17:12 NRSV
My prayer is that you are taking time for yourself. Be kind to yourself. Be gentle. We have to be in the for the long road ahead. Who do you have to confide in when you are tired? When you are afraid? When you are so frustrated that you would rather cry than pivot once more? When you get that note or post or photo that reminds you why you are doing this? Who are your Aaron and Hur? Who holds you up when you are ready to fall exhausted?
The CENetwork is blessed with amazing people who are here "...t
hat they [you] maybe encouraged in heart and united in love..." Colossians 2:2. It is our hope that these resources may help support and encourage you on this journey. If you have not done so, check out the Network
Facebook group where you will find mutual support. And be sure to check out these resources as you look to the fall.
Wherever you are, please take care of yourself. Take care of those who have been entrusted to your ministry. Take care and be safe.
Blessings and peace on your journey,
The Rev. Juli Lejman-Guy
President
