Dear Church Family,
The art of ministry includes 3 important ingredients: Vision, Focus and Flexibility. Having a Vision reminds us of the high principles, Truths and provides a framework for “why” we exist which influences our planning. Focus is the concentration and efforts we put forward in implementation. Each day, week, month and year we focus our energies to the completion of goals, tasks, and growth to make steps toward our goals.
Flexibility is the reality of each day or period. In the visioning process we often imagine what Plan A would like. During implementation and focusing we often come up with Plan B so that we have a backup. The reality of our day is creating and implementing Plan C, D, E, F, to Z.
Some may find the flexibility factor unsettling, after all, many businesses depend upon the continuity of sameness to survive. Imagine going to Starbucks and each visit was a different process to place an order and receive the order. It would get frustrating – because we are creatures of habit and we like our days and routines to run orderly.
Usually ministries do not want to change processes either, we like to run like a well-oiled machine with everything in its place and everyone aware of the expectations. It isn’t that we desire a contrived experience for those participating, but we know that when we run the same way time and again, people feel safe to open up and experience Spirit.
With the advent of our return to worship with a live audience in this age of Covid, our ministry has moved to Plan B. Safe Gathering that includes assuring each person is virus free, wearing protective masks and keeping distances with out physical contact. It includes LOTS of signage – all that you know, but we need to remind you anyway.
Rearrangement of Narthex to ensure a flow of people walking through, with an opportunity to mingle inside. It also includes entries to pew taped off so only the pews that can be used are accessible. We will have you enter individually and exit by rows. Plan B includes SINGLE USE bathrooms with the request to spray everything you touched after you finish. Yes, Plan B is different, but the procedures are common in the age of Covid.
The Worship experience itself, brought us into Plan C. With no hugging and inside mingling we had to take some elements out; no meeting and greeting during the service, no passing an offering plate, no holding hands and joining in a circle. We will be bringing to activities into the worship experience, taking some out temporarily during this time of no physical contact.
For those who are attending we trust that you will have an open mind and heart for an intimate experience of worship. We must bring in Plan D with our music. The current guidelines suggest we do not sing aloud – even with masks on. Microscopic droplets are released while singing in a more powerful way than speaking. The suggestion is to “hum” along. We have been doing this during the taping of our services and find it to be a powerful experience. Jody treats each song more like a solo than a song to sing along. I love to sing, but I been spiritually uplifted with Plan D, as I focus on the beauty of each note, word and, of course, Jody’s talent.
We also implemented Plan E with our advanced taping capability. Prior to Covid, our taping program was treated like an afterthought. We were blessed to have Phil and Beci Rohkohl to come into the program just at that time. They had no prior experience, but a willingness to learn AND an aptitude for AV. They have experienced a giant learning curve but have met the challenge with grace. They were able to produce 5 short daily videos, 3 full-service videos each week! This offering is completely volunteer! Plan E includes the use of 3 cameras and a technical presence that wasn’t there before.
My hope in this letter is to share how many changes had to be considered as we return to worship together in person. There are Plans F, G, & H that we had to consider internally. Flexibility is important in ministry. But it is also the use of our Christ Powers of Imagination, Faith, Love, and Wisdom. We trust that you, too, will access these powers as you return to live worship or consider a return.
For now, we are grateful that each of us is safe, loved, and have faith that our highest good is unfolding. And we live gratefully for our Truth.
Many blessings,
Pastor Robert