Dear Church Family,
I was reflecting this week on our past attempts to create a program that would
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connect with congregants who were absent from attending worship services; to check they were okay and assist in ways that were possible. Rev. Ann Dunican led a group called the "Giving Tree" for a couple of years, but it was challenging identifying who was missing. Michael Olsen and myself tried again a few years ago through the "Highland Shepherds", and we were challenged with people willing to commit to shepherding. Yet, at the beginning of the pandemic we realized it was important to connect - to reach in to our congregation to inquire they were okay, their needs were being met and to offer spiritual connection. 14 people came forward - very willing to reach out to their church family and make this connection. Each week they make 80+ calls to you and others. If you think about it, it takes courage and a real commitment to call a group of people on a regular basis - some you are well connected to, others minimally or not at all. In the process we learned that some people don't want to connect, some want limited connection and still others enjoy the connections that are made through our phone calls.
I shared with Rev. Ann the observation of how readily people came forward to volunteer to make calls. In comparing this to our efforts in the past Rev. Ann responded, "It wasn't the right time then. Now is the right time." I appreciated the reminder that gave - Now is the right time. In six weeks ministries have had to reorganize their actions and efforts to effectively minister to their congregations. I wholly appreciate the creativity and efforts that churches are doing to connect with their congregations and bring their message of Truth to the world. Six weeks ago, we thought it might be for a short time - it would be temporary. I still hold that vision - but what constitutes a "short time"? A month, two months, six months, a year or more? Given what we know about the virus - we may be practicing social distancing for a while and so the question arises - how can Unity Church of El Cajon best serve you during this time of social distancing? This is not a rhetorical question - I am asking you - how can Unity Church of El Cajon best serve you during this time of social distancing? I invite you to contact me at Robert@unityofelcajon.org with your ideas and suggestions.
I've been blessed with ideas and suggestions that have come forth from you in the past. Many times our staffing or budget limitations kept us from taking action on some very wonderful ideas. I invite those experiences not to impede us from continuing to imagine, create and manifest programing and materials to bring Truth to our congregation and the community. You see, as Rev. Ann eloquently reminded us, "It wasn't the right time then. Now is the right time," to plant, nurture and produce a harvest of new ideas.
Many Blessings,
Pastor Robert
