Dear Ones,
In these uncertain days, just when we think we’ve got things a little bit under control (certainly always an illusion), life throws us another curve-ball. This week the State of New Mexico was put under stay-at-home orders. So, now we have even more restrictions about going out in the hopes that fewer of us will contract COVID-19. Maybe we can take comfort in the fact that we are all in this together. We are all feeling the restrictions and know that this order is not just for a few – but all of us.
The curve-ball for us is the fact that our first Sunday doing Facebook live was a relative success. Nothing can take the place of worshiping together, but “being there” as we were was really helpful. We thank Eric and Scott Hays-Strom and Patrick Crocker for their presence and guidance. Now that we cannot meet in the sanctuary – what to do?
We have decided on worshiping at 10:15 on Sunday mornings via ZOOM. Anyone with a smartphone, computer, cell phone or regular old phone (maybe not a rotary phone, however) can join. Eric will be sending out instructions on how to join us in worship in a day or two. Watch for that email blast. One of the benefits of ZOOM is the ability to see each other if we have a computer or a smartphone. But, all still invited to join in your Sunday best jammies.
Did you know that last Sunday we had 136 people in worship? Phenomenal! Please, invite your friends to join us this week. We continue to hold each other in prayer and care during this time.
Although reluctant initially to join Facebook, I have found that this is one way I have been able to stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues. A cousin I have not had contact with in years messengered me – a nice reunion. Also, much of the humor I find on Facebook tends to lighten my stress level. Some of the stories of the stark reality of these days are opening my eyes. Some of the wisdom I find there gives me hope. Some of the prayers I’ve come across comfort me.
Maren Tirabassi posts a prayer/poem daily. This one was posted yesterday.
Prayer for anxiety in a time of coronavirus – Maren Tirabassi
God, I coughed again —
it’s dry and I sneezed once yesterday,
and I think my throat is sore,
but mostly I am worried
that I am going to give COVID19,
to somebody I love,
or someone I get too close to
when I am walking the dog.
Even more, I am worried about
what is happening inside my mind,
so, of course, I start reading all about
Illness Anxiety Disorder,
hypochondriasis —
but isn’t that bringing the focus on me,
when I am not sick,
I am not completely alone,
and not close to losing my house?
So then I start to worry
about how self-absorbed I am and …
God, this was not the beginning
and it will not be the end
as the kaleidoscope pandemic
shifts its many broken pieces inside me
and creates different patterns.
This, too, is your gift,
because now I understand
how everyone around me feels,
and feels differently every single day.
We are broken and beautiful,
and our patterns will change.
What won’t change
is our care for one another,
or this small healing ritual —
of going to the pool of Siloam
that is my bathroom sink
and with a bar smelling of lavender
loving my small hands
and the mind that moves them
and also wants
to be washed with gentleness. Amen
As we are learning new ways to be church and ways to stay connected with one another, may we take comfort in God’s constant and faithful presence in our lives.
Blessings,
Donna
PS – these are still the best ways to reach me: pastor@fcclc.org 928-554-4024
