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This week from Mitch
As I reflected on the nature of stress this morning, I came to a realization. I realized that stress is not something we as humans are designed to deal with alone. In other words, we were created to be both communal and dependent. In Genesis, we were created to be a people of the garden. In Exodus, our strength was in numbers. In Luke, Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs. In short, while being alone for short times is biblical, being lonely is not. We are created to be in community with the body of the faithful and dependent on God.
Weekly pandemic update from Mitch
Lately I have been hearing a lot about COVID fatigue, which seems to manifest itself primarily in two places. Like ambient light fills a room, the first place COVID fatigue manifests itself is in a general sense of tiredness that comes from living in the midst of the ambient stress of a pandemic that permeates every aspect of our lives. Going to the grocery store, e-learning, regular learning, family functions -- all now require extra thought and extra considerations. It's tiring, and if you have felt yourself being more tired as of late, please know you are not alone.
Weekly pandemic thoughts from Mitch
Sometimes you can do everything right and then you get that phone call. "Sir," the call began, "last week you had your fire inspection. We regret to inform you that the inspector who was at St. Martin's has tested COVID-positive." Thus began the contact tracing, the quarantining, the COVID testing, and following the necessary safety protocols. The good news is the two people who dealt with the inspector wore masks; the inspector wore a mask, and physical distance was kept.
Weekly pandemic thoughts from Mitch
Our faith requires us to put as much importance on the safety of another as we would for ourselves. I can put it in no clearer terms: You cannot be a Christian and not respect the health of a neighbor. To think of only ourselves is absolutely against the teaching of Christ.
Weekly pandemic thoughts from Mitch
We are each doing differently during this time. Some days we are doing very well, and on other days, we feel like we have just won front row seats on the struggle bus. The offering of grace means you understand that everyone has the potential of doing well during this time, and at the same time, not so much. That on any given day we could be in any position. A simple "I understand. Would you like to talk? I am happy to listen" can go further then any of us could possibly imagine.
This Week from Mitch
Please also remember that if you are a person who has experienced the horrible loneliness of suicidal thoughts and deep depression, there are people in the world willing to listen to you, hear you, and help you. If you are having suicidal thoughts, you can call the Parish Office, or the National Suicide Hotline (1-800-273-TALK). Or you can call a friend, or you can dial 911. There is help.
This Week from Mitch
As I write this note, I am listening to the falling rain and Decoy's snores. He's lying down in my office without a care in the world. Every once in a while, while I am writing, he will move around, but for the most part, he is content to lie down ... waiting for the sound of my feet as they move to the door. At which point, he gets up with a start, afraid that I am going to go somewhere without him. He's a goofball, and has been a welcomed church companion during COVID Time. His love, loyalty, and constant awareness of my whereabouts has been a reminder for me of God's unconditional love. What are your reminders of God's love?
#GospelsbyHand Challenge
See scripture in a whole new way -- in your own handwriting! You're invited on a formational (and transformational) journey through the Gospel of Mark. All you need is a Bible, a pen, and some paper. The challenge is to copy down 10 verses per day. That's it! Begin at any time!
Whiteness and racial justice
Whiteness is more than a privilege in North America. It is a deeply seated obstacle that, when addressed, can lead to the racial justice for which so many people yearn. We're using a written and video curriculum from Kelly Brown Douglas, above, dean of the Episcopal Divinity School. She is an Episcopal priest, author, professor, and presenter at the 2016 Trinity Institute conference "Listen for a Change: Sacred Conversations for Racial Justice.
Support El Refugio and Refugee Resettlement
Our friends in immigration detention are discouraged, fearful, and anxious during this pandemic. While some have been released on asylum or had their deportation orders cancelled during this time, others have died while in detention from the virus. Take a moment this week to write a note of encouragement in Spanish or English to someone in immigration detention.
