Instead of coming to a screeching halt, now is the time to do precisely the opposite – move full steam ahead!
Kim Snodgrass One-minute read. Resources
Is there a better time to think about who God is, and who we are? The COVID 19 pandemic has has conversely provided us an unexpected opening if we are prayerful, intentional, flexible, and think outside the box to find new ways to explore, grow and deepen relationships.
New growth is always possible precisely because Christianity is a religion of transformation; a lifelong process of growing in our relationship with God, self, others, and all creation! Every experience – even the one we find ourselves in now – can provide us with the opportunity to express our faith. The challenge we face is recognizing we can provide a rally cry that nurtures spiritual, faith-filled lives.
The way we do liturgy has changed for the present, but there is no reason we cannot intentionally promote and nurture spiritual growth, reflection and practices! Beginning in our homes, everyday life experience is an opportunity to live out our Baptismal Covenant. As life moves on, scripture takes on new connections, constantly presenting new situations and ideas. And of course, educating ourselves is one of the most important things being part of a faith community can help us do.
Necessity is the mother of invention. Need or problem encourages creative efforts to meet the need or solve the problem.
The Republic, Plato
Will it take some ingenuity, a willingness to learn new skills and wrestling with how to adapt traditional practices? Without a doubt! But together, we are perfectly capable and God has given us everything we need to make this happen. Brainstorm with others to find ways to do catechism instruction, conduct Bible study, hold book club discussions, host Sunday School or confirmation classes online. Is now the time to organize the Lay Reader, Lay Eucharist Minister or small group facilitator trainings you’ve always wished you had the time to do? Is now the time to make stronger connections with those who do not have access to the internet? We can make these and so much more happen with prayer and ingenuity. After all, “Necessity is the mother of invention.”
No one should expect to know it all or have all the answers at the tip of their finger. If you need assistance with the technology end of things, Gary Allman can help. If you could use help finding formational content that lends itself easily to online use, Kim Snodgrass would love to walk through options with you.