From Our Pastor
April 2020
It is difficult to believe that our daily lives have taken a drastic turn in the past month. As a church our community life has changed as well. We have cancelled events, altered the manner in which we worship and hold meetings, and have been physically separated from the people who bring us strength and joy. We have had a couple of hic-cups but believe that we have
found new ways to move through these minor challenges.
We have taken every possible opportunity to provide you with facts concerning COVID-19 as well as resources where you can
find additional information. The Deacons have set up a system by which you can receive physical assistance if you need help with shopping, errands or transportation. Jill set up an e-mail and call system so we can help you feel connected to the church. You can trust that we will be a constant source of information to help everyone move through this global crisis.
There are some of us (myself especially) that prefer information over the unknown. Unfortunately, there is a limited amount of information regarding the virus as well as what is forthcoming in terms of medical supplies, healthcare availability and groceries.
What should be available in our society and time is not available and that is a situation we believed America would never face. In
a situation such as this it is normal to feel anxious about the what ifs. We are in uncharted territory as a church and as people.
Dr. Adelayo, a psychiatrist at Banner Health offers the following recommendations for managing anxiety in uncertain times:
- Focus on the facts
Follow reliable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). - Talk it out
Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. It’s particularly important for kids of all ages to talk through what they are hearing with a trusted adult. - Limit news and social media
Incessantly listening, watching and following the pandemic can add to anxiety and uncertainty. With endless posts from concerned and worried friends and family and repetitive news stories on TV, try to
limit time to a couple times a day. - Take care of yourself
“While some may have to still work from home, take this opportunity from going, going, going and focus on you and your family’s well-being,” “If you can, go for walks together, stream a fitness class, read a
book and take this time to refocus. Schedule/calendar in “mandatory fun time” so you can take your mind away from work and current events.”Make sure you are also eating healthy, getting plenty of rest and avoiding alcohol and drugs, which can make anxiety worse. - Take it day-by-day
Since we can’t predict the future (yet) and shouldn’t hold onto the past, focus on the here and now. Being mindful can help you focus on what is right in front of you—what you can control today. It can
also help you recognize moments when you begin to feel overwhelmed. - Seek help and support
If stress or anxiety is getting in the way of your daily activities, call your healthcare provider or speak with one of our Nurses on Call at 844-259-9494 to get support. However, if you are contemplating suicide or self-harm, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
at 1-800-273-8255.
I would add the importance of maintaining an active spiritual life by:
* Reading inspirational materials that can be found online or that you already have available at home.
* Speak with people from the church so you remain connected to one another.
* Find ways to help someone else that does not require putting yourself at risk.
* Attend worship online.
* Allow your mind to find quietness by meditating or listening in quietness to God.
* Know that while the leadership and Deacons are holding all of you in prayer, we are also here for you as you need us.
* We are in this together and will get through this together.
When we pass through this time, we will experience the resurrection of Easter.
Blessings, Rev. Gloria