I’ve been saying a lot, “None of us have gone through anything like this, so we’re making this up as we go.” A global pandemic is new territory for all of us, and we’re busy rethinking a lot of things about our lives right now. If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed as you navigate this territory, know you’re not alone, and that’s probably a very appropriate reaction. I like to think of myself as a cool-under-pressure type of person, but a time or two during the last couple weeks this all seemed too much for me. So, be good to yourself and each other in this time. Be sure to do the things that help you find some peace: prayer, meditation, exercise, yoga. We’re all different, but if there’s something that refocuses your heart on good things, then do that. Even the regular discipline of watching a funny show or movie is good medicine for us all at this time.
We, your church, are a resource for you at this time, and we want to keep being a vital community of faith through this season. Even though we are not physically meeting in our church building, we have many ways to be a church. Over the last couple weeks we’ve created worship videos for us to gather around. We’re still working on some type of live stream option, too, but we want to do it right rather than put out a technically botched effort. Look for more news to come. Also, I’ve been trying to utilize the church’s Facebook page as a way to connect. I’ve been recording short prayer and meditation videos as a way of providing regular experiences of peace. You can find them there on our Facebook page. Also, I’m doing a weekly live broadcast on Facebook at 1 PM on Tuesdays. Check in there, and see what I have to say. You can also type in a question, and I’ll do my best to respond during that live broadcast. You can find all these things at www.facebook.com/HazelwoodCC. You don’t need to be a Facebook member to check in there.
There are other ways we can connect in this time. I’m planning on doing an online Bible study, hopefully starting next week. You can participate in it from your computer or phone. I’m envisioning doing it possibly at 7 PM on Wednesdays. A couple of you have said you want to be a part of it, but I’d love to have more. Please let me know if you want to be a part of it. Also, I’m available if you need to talk. We can do a video conference or just over the phone. Or drop me an email or a text message. I’m your pastor, so don’t hesitate to reach out in this time of need.
We’re all finding our way through this time, so be good to one another as we do. As we do, with God’s help, we’ll find our way.
Grace & peace,
Jason Jones
