Dear Church Family,
I've always been interested in the subject of attention. Primarily, what kind of attention to do we wish to receive? I realized the question is very broad - During my undergraduate studies I took an independent research practicum that allowed to study attention, so I narrowed it to health care -how much and what type of attention do people with HIV disease wish to receive? I was curious because as a member of this community I witnessed the types of attention (services) that service organizations offered and gave - and wondered does this best represent what people want or need?
You may be thinking "who cares?" but the subject of attention is still on my heart. Now I apply this to ministry - how much and what kinds of attention do you, our church family, desire from our ministry? This is particularly important now as we explore the ways to reach you - assist you on your spiritual journey - in a time of social distancing. So much of ministry experience before COVID-19 was face to face connection. I love to see your smiling faces, experience your loving energy and celebrate sharing God's Spirit with you during worship. Some of you desire attention when we gather - you desire to make a connection. Other's don't - they want to slip in and slip out limiting one-to-one connection.
We realize there is a gap in the way we connect based on access to and knowledge of the equipment we have to do so. Many of us have limited understanding of our computer or the programs that are available to connect. If you are like me, you might be easily overwhelmed (frustrated) and confused when working with technology. In some ways our openness to technology matches or openness to deepen our awareness and grow in consciousness - it take time, sometimes a good teacher, and willingness not to know everything all at once.
Our goal is to help you gain access to the next level of technology that will assist you in connecting with your church family and to the world. If you are reading this via email - you know how to get email. Hopefully you can open the Daily Blessings, weekly services and special programs that we send out. Perhaps you can't access Zoom which is video conferencing program. It allows us to meet at the same time and have real discussions. The great thing about Zoom is you can have your camera on or off and still participate - so if you are having a bad hair day - we won't see that - we'll just see your name! you can see us though.
To find out where you are in skills to access email, videos, and zoom we will be taking a survey. When we identify an area where we can possibly help - we'll attempt to coach you through the learning at a time that is convenient for you. We may be social distancing for the next few to many months. We honor safety in your life and realize this may be the time to teach new ways to connect. We will be trying a variety of ways to do this - be patient with us!
We'll be sending a survey out via email soon. Please assist us by filling it out and returning it. And if you don't want or need help - just say so - that tells us you are presently receiving the right amount of attention.
Looking forward to connecting and growing together. Affirming God' perfection unfolding in our digital life!
Many blessings,
Pastor Robert