This is a question most of us are asking in one form or another during this time of feeling especially helpless. When events and circumstances are reeling out of control, sometimes the best solace is found in reaching out to one another. Sometimes it is when we begin focusing on the needs of others that we ourselves find comfort and strength — and a feeling of “well, at least I’m doing something.”
But what? Comes the question most closely on the heels of this realization. When needs of the world are so big and complex, what can one person do?
Rev. Phyllis Barren, Associate Pastor of Congregational Care and Lisa Helm, Director of Welcoming Ministries, are here with some help and guidance that will support your desire to reach out to others with some concrete steps, tasks, and opportunities.
It began with compiling lists of people who want to help with calling and checking on those members of our church who may feel especially isolated and lonely during this time. Then, in talking to many different church members during this time of constantly changing rules, restrictions, and precautions, they realized another need.
So here’s where you come in. If you would be willing to help make calls to church members during this time of quarantine—just to be a friendly voice reaching out with a quick hello and to check on how they’re doing — or leave a message on their voicemail, please contact Lisa or Phyllis and they will supply you with a list of people to check on during this time.
And, in addition to calling, if you would be willing to go to the store for one of our high-risk members or help someone learn to Zoom or worship online, or join in any of our many online offerings, Phyllis and Lisa will help connect you with members of our church who are in need of these things.
Saying that she hopes that people who are “Zoom savvy” will step up and volunteer, Lisa adds, “I just got off the phone with a member who normally worships online, but she had no idea about all of the other online things we’re now doing. She was so excited to hear about them; she wants to try a Zoom Bible Study and Lance’s daily devotional.”
If you would like to have this experience of “doing something” in this time of uncertainty, by becoming part of this timely, needed, and caring ministry, please contact either Lisa (lhelm@myfumc.org ) or Phyllis (pbarren@myfumc.org) and let them know, and they’ll be happy to include you in this meaningful work.
