Dear Church Family 
It is wonderful to see and hear children back at the playgrounds again playing, climbing, swinging, screaming. I didn't realize how much I missed the sound until last week when the local park was "alive" again with noise and activity. Children playing is something that we take for granted, until they can't because of restrictions. There is an instinctual desire to play, I notice on news reports where war, refugees fleeing conflict or even in devastation children attempt to find ways to play and connect.
Covid has changed many of the activities that we once participated in. My Monday night card game was an early casualty, but also shopping, gathering for celebrations, going out to dinner or to the movies - all have changed. I get frustrated sometimes, but overall; I realize how blessed we are. And in short order the frustration passes.
I have mentioned that my small dog is a hunter He mostly goes from gopher hole to gopher hole, nose to the ground, seeking a fresh hole. When he comes face to face with a gopher, he doesn't always take action. It is as if he is as surprised as the gopher is. Sometimes he is so focused on the hunt he does not see the other things going on around him, like squirrels, rabbits, and lizards. Creatures that would equally delight his attention, but he is too focused on the gopher holes.
I have thought about his focus on gopher holes, and I can see the similarities in my own behavior. Each week I go from task to task to complete all the tasks that needs my attention, so I am ready for presentations. Sometimes I forget to raise my head and look around to see what else is happening. Sometimes I forget to connect. I forget to listen, really listen. Recently a congregant shared their disappointment in my lack of contact with them during a rough time in their lives. I was disappointed in myself that I had not reached out. Our church family is very dear to me, this congregant is someone I adore, admire and trust - so when I disappointed them, I was filled with regret.
Quite honestly, I was so focused on my gopher holes I didn't hear their distress or desire to connect. The task at hand consumes my attention - my primary focus is preparing to present whether it be letters like this one, daily letters, Sunday talks, staff, and worship team meetings. Thankfully, the congregant is a seasoned Truth Student and was able to discuss feelings, take responsibility for their thoughts, reactions, and projections, and to accept my apology. They now know it is perfectly okay to say to me, "I need some attention."
I invite you to make your needs known. Do not wait for someone to notice you. If you are desiring a call or contact from me email me at aloharobertbright@yahoo.com. In addition, Linda Burdett, Director of Chaplains, and Gayle Culberson, Board Liaison are compiling a list of congregants to contact regularly by phone. Our Telephone Ministry is to offer prayer support, but also a friendly ear to say hello. If you aren't currently receiving regular phone calls, but wish to do so, please contact our church office at 619-579-9586 or email at admin@unityofelcajon.org
In this time of continuing isolation let us be mindful of our need to connect with others. And let us be mindful that it is okay to initiate or let your desires be made known. You may have something pressing on your heart that you would like to talk about. You may feel lonely and desire connection. You may have incredible news to share - let us know when you want to talk. We care.
Many blessings,
Pastor Robert