Joy in the time of Coronavirus
What brought you joy this week?
It’s a question I’ve been trying to ask myself every day, where did I find joy today? There’s been a lot of frustration in the midst of all of this…technology challenges, things that aren’t stocked at the grocery store, hours upon hours of working from home (and homeschooling at the same time for many of you). So every day I try to remind myself of where the joy has been. Many days it’s been reconnecting with friends and family, some of whom I haven’t talked with in a long time. Some days it’s been revisiting TV shows that make me laugh or getting lost in a good book. Last night it was a glorious lobster roll that I was able to (safely) pick up from a neighborhood restaurant.
So where are you finding joy? I’d love to hear about it. Comment on today’s Facebook post or send me an email with your stories of joy. We’ll find a way to share them with one another.
As we progress through this pandemic, things are necessarily changing all the time. This week Bishop Susan Goff shared with the clergy of the diocese that all public worship will be suspended through May 8, at the earliest. As I said last week, it breaks my heart to think that we will not be celebrating Easter in person but I know that this is the right, responsible move. We’re hard at work planning meaningful Holy Week experiences for you at home and designing what we will share online as well. I’ve been so very grateful for the creativity and flexibility of so many of you in helping think through what this will look like. And as I mentioned, we will have a great big joyous celebration on the first Sunday when we are allowed back in church. (In my mind I’ve already dubbed that Hootenanny Sunday!)
Britton and I are mostly working from home, but you can always reach us via email or on my cell phone, 804-251-0363. We’ll also be checking our office voicemails as much as possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns that you have. Let me know about any pastoral concerns. Or call if you just want to chat!
I miss being with you all. Know that I am praying for you all, and ask that you hold Barbara and myself in your prayers as well. Keep reaching out to one another, the care that this community demonstrates on a daily basis has been a real bright spot for me. Amidst all the uncertainty of the world today, the one thing about which I have no doubt, is that God is with us now more than ever, offering us strength, peace, and love. May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, be with you and those you love, now and always.
Grace & Peace,
Andrew+