Covid-19 Resources
A note from Amanda, Conference Minister for Christian Formation
During my years as a congregational pastor, I would often (internally and lovingly) role my eyes at the predictable refrain of one of my most vocal congregants. Any time the church faced any kind of problem or dilemma, he would announce with authority that what we were experiencing was actually an "opportunity." Over the years, others of us began to jump in before he could to invoke the "opportunities" of this situation or that, usually to great bursts of congregational laughter. While we teased, we also knew that his optimistic reframing of our situations was usually helpful (even if a bit annoying).
Today, as we are faced with the uncertainty of the Covid-19 virus and the weeks-long quarantine and "social distancing" we are experiencing, our first thought is likely not of the "opportunities" of this situation. But I've learned from the best that our eyes are often opened and we are able to be more gracious and creative when we see the world through the lens of opportunity.
Today, though we are inconvenienced and made anxious by our present circumstances, we are in a time ripe with opportunity, with possibility. Now is a time unlike any other we have known--like a spiritual "snow-day," many of us are forced to slow down. These days can be a time of renewal, of spiritual growth, of self-care. Our children will remember and talk about these days as they grow. These days will be what we make of them. Let us see these days as full of possibility, promise and opportunity, and let us use them well.
Below you will find links to various lists of resources that may be of use to you. Please note, these resources require your discretion. In my haste to compile them, I have not had time to personally review each and every resource suggested. Please note too, these lists will grow over time.
If you have questions or ideas for worship or faith formation, don't hesitate to reach out. You can get in contact with me via email (amandableichty@centralplainsmc.org) or phone (319-325-4522).
During my years as a congregational pastor, I would often (internally and lovingly) role my eyes at the predictable refrain of one of my most vocal congregants. Any time the church faced any kind of problem or dilemma, he would announce with authority that what we were experiencing was actually an "opportunity." Over the years, others of us began to jump in before he could to invoke the "opportunities" of this situation or that, usually to great bursts of congregational laughter. While we teased, we also knew that his optimistic reframing of our situations was usually helpful (even if a bit annoying).
Today, as we are faced with the uncertainty of the Covid-19 virus and the weeks-long quarantine and "social distancing" we are experiencing, our first thought is likely not of the "opportunities" of this situation. But I've learned from the best that our eyes are often opened and we are able to be more gracious and creative when we see the world through the lens of opportunity.
Today, though we are inconvenienced and made anxious by our present circumstances, we are in a time ripe with opportunity, with possibility. Now is a time unlike any other we have known--like a spiritual "snow-day," many of us are forced to slow down. These days can be a time of renewal, of spiritual growth, of self-care. Our children will remember and talk about these days as they grow. These days will be what we make of them. Let us see these days as full of possibility, promise and opportunity, and let us use them well.
Below you will find links to various lists of resources that may be of use to you. Please note, these resources require your discretion. In my haste to compile them, I have not had time to personally review each and every resource suggested. Please note too, these lists will grow over time.
If you have questions or ideas for worship or faith formation, don't hesitate to reach out. You can get in contact with me via email (amandableichty@centralplainsmc.org) or phone (319-325-4522).