Most of you reading this might have already gone back to a somewhat “normal” way of living. Sure, we are all still wearing the mask, still distancing when necessary, participating in half capacity (or more) gatherings, and still living the abnormal church life we have now come to know as the new normal. But there is a whole other realm of people that are not doing those things even to this day.
There are still individuals who are at high risk due to their age or pre-existing health conditions staying home and avoiding crowds.
Some are captivated by fear and won’t even let their own children who are grown come home and visit except through the open window of the kitchen. There are still people who have come in contact with COVID positive individuals and now have to stay home for the recommended 10-14 days with no contact with other individuals, even when they are asymptomatic.
Worse, there are those who are COVID positive (some with symptoms, some without) who are home alone or in a hospital bed scared of the outcome they might face.
Although life has resumed for the majority of the population, it hasn’t for some. The reminder here is to keep checking on your congregation. Keep calling and texting. Keep reaching out to those you haven’t seen or heard from in a while.
That older couple that was faithful to attend your early service on a weekly basis, reach out to them. They might be home alone together with no one else to talk to. Maybe they need some groceries or someone to pick up their prescriptions. Maybe they just need someone to talk to for five minutes.
That mom who is captivated by fear that her children will contract a virus that is not widely studied at this point and she is doing everything she can to protect her family. Reach out to her. She may just need someone to pray with her and remind her of God’s goodness and provision and that she is loved.
That person who has been home for 8 days in quarantine wondering which day they will wake up with symptoms, reach out to them.
They might need to be reminded of Psalm 91 and God’s faithfulness to those who believe.
That person with COVID, scared of what the future may or may not hold, lonely because they haven’t seen their family and have had to take care of themselves while not feeling well. Reach out to them. They might just need to hear someone’s voice.
As a church staff member or a volunteer, take care of your congregation. Don’t leave this task solely to the Senior Pastor or the rest of the church staff. If someone comes to mind, take a little time to follow the guiding of the Holy Spirit and reach out to those God has placed in front of you.
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