Day #2270

March 19, 2020

After a very long day of meetings, conversation, planning and recording a mid-week service for folks to watch online, the council finalized the decision to suspend gathering for worship at least through April 5th. It’s the hardest decision I have had to be a part of in a long while. I know how important it is to gather and worship together when the world around us is in chaos. So, we are doing what we can to help us gather “virtually.” Recorded worship services to view online on the church website. Prayer together for 3 minutes at 3:00 pm from wherever we are (3 at 3:00). Extra newsletters. Mailing CD recordings of worship services. Daily emails. And prayer - LOTS of prayer. No matter what, I believe deep in my heart that God is with us in the midst of all this, giving us strength and guidance. 

And then there was this email from a company who sells clerical robes, shirts, stoles, etc., called WomenSpirit. It brought tears to my eyes. 

As a minister, you provide a point of light in the darkness with your words of reassurance and strength. This is the challenge you answered when accepting your vocational calling in the beginning; a commitment to offer compassion and understanding when people turn to you for the intangibles that make life bearable in stressful times.    

Human fears -- basic ones -- about loss of life, loss of livelihood and the uncertainty about what is coming are causing extreme anxiety for everyone. At Sacred Stitches, we are committed to supporting you as you support your congregations. Material goods mean nothing when faced with the dire situation we are in now. But messaging is powerful. It is in times of great duress, such as the world is experiencing now, that people search for spiritual comfort to provide hope and direction. Your words, your professional presence, will provide this for all that hear your message.    

Thank you for sharing your gifts and being a calm, reassuring voice. 

The staff at WomenSpirit and Abiding Spirit dba Sacred Stitches

Oh how those words and encouragement, alongside messages from many others, is more helpful than you can imagine. We are in this all together. And we are not alone!

Blessings. And prayers.