We’re in the midst of a crazy and frenzied season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, it is also a time where many people have renewed curiosity and interest in God and spirituality. Bible distributors are seeing spikes in sales 40-60% higher than this time last year. Google searches about prayer are surging. People all around us are thinking about what’s really important.
Though our natural inclination is often to pull back when we’re in the midst of a lot of change, this is a great opportunity to press into reaching our neighbors and those who don’t yet know Jesus.
We’re sharing examples of some creative ideas we’ve heard from churches who are using this time to engage purposely, building relationships that will give them momentum when we eventually come out of this season.
Nursing Home Engagement
In one particular facility we do in person weekly worship services, but they have been placed on hold during this pandemic. In partnership with the Activities Director at the facility, we were able to FaceTime a special Easter service for the residents. We’ve donated bibles for the residents and they stream our weekly online services in the common area. We’ve also recorded worship videos for the residents to watch along with crafts and activities we provide. We use Amazon to deliver supplies to the facility directly in a safe and clean way.
The staff and residents of the nursing home community have told us what an incredible blessing we’ve been to the community. While we can’t meet there in person right now, we’re glad that God is opening new ways of sharing his love in that community.
Online Alpha Course
Open Mic Nights
I am also an essential worker as a local bank branch as a teller, and am out two days a week interacting with the public through the drive through. I am attempting to be a non-anxious presence in my workplace. My friends and coworkers often want to know where I “stand” on the state of things during the pandemic. In those conversations, I tend not to take a stand but rather speak about the good news of Jesus.
In the next couple of weeks we will also launch an online Alpha Course. To invite, I’ve provided our team with a sample text invite for them to personalize, and I’ve invited quite a few of my newer connections from my part time job to join us.
Grocery Delivery
A few days later, a government official contacted me saying a couple senior citizens reached out to them asking for assistance getting groceries and other necessities. I personally called both folks to better understand specifically what they needed and posted about it on our church’s Facebook page. Two awesome members of our church stepped up, went grocery shopping, and even delivered the groceries to their doors! Our church picked up the tab! Why? Because sometimes love looks like a bag of groceries.
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Taking Responsibility for your Neighborhood Through Prayer Walking
