Building Community in a Pandemic?
In communities around the country, schools and universities started up in the last few weeks amid worries of the coronavirus numbers rising. It woke all of us up a bit to the realization that this year might not be like any other year and we are going to have to work in new ways to hold things together and serve our communities. It’s not a bad thing, but religious educators and pastoral staff are working tirelessly to find the right balance of learning, staying safe and healthy, family life, and faith. So, what is that balance and what are creative ways to reach in and make this time incredible rather than something we’d rather forget when this pandemic is over? We have a few ideas for you and they are built on a foundation of hospitality.
People are longing for connection right now. We are really missing friends, gatherings, family get-togethers, seeing our aging friends, neighbors, and relatives and just things we do that feed our souls. For some of us that is music, concerts, movies, theatre, sports and games, and shopping trips or weekends away. We have an acute sense of missing something in our souls right now - and that is where hospitality can reach in. Here are ten ideas to connect this week:
Send postcards and notes just to say hello (regularly)
Host a virtual dinner party - menu and recipes sent out earlier (we like the looks of this easy Pumpkin-Chorizo Pizza!)
Do virtual bingo, poker, or other fab game
Do a “cooking show” on Zoom - a late night nosh for busy moms, dads, young adults, or seniors
Have a decluttering hour - join on Zoom to tackle a drawer, closet, cupboard or room
Skill swap-meet - gather in small groups to share what items or skills you are willing to share and barter
Leave doorstep treats with affirming, joyful notes attached
Make a flat pastor - get your pastor into every home - post where he is throughout the week
Post journaling or prayer prompts on social media platforms (make them beautiful too)
Reach out to new neighbors, families with new babies, newly baptized or confirmed - show some love!
These are just a few ways to offer hospitality to one another right now. We are struggling with grief, loss, worry, fear and anxiety - but we also know that when we let God in to where we are, beautiful things can happen. The least that can happen is that we help bear one another’s burdens and encourage with presence, joy, and hope.
Speaking of presence, joy and hope - we have some exciting news to share with you! Starting October 15th, Ministry Blueprints will offer a fabulous monthly webinar that will offer ideas, plans, resources and conversation from ministry leaders around the country, all focused on hospitality, beauty, and welcome! Look for an invitation this week to be part of this community where we work together to create spaces for belonging, welcome, and radical hospitality.
Peace,
Jane
Photo by Mike Erskine on Unsplash
