3/18/20 I Hope & Service
Stories of Hope:
You may have seen that when the rest of this year's NBA season was cancelled to slow the spread of COVID-19, several team owners and players- including Mark Cuban, Kevin Love, Blake Griffin, and even Atlanta Hawks owner Tony Ressler- have pledged to pay for or contribute to funds that will pay the hourly wage stadium employees who were depending on the games and events in stadiums for their income in the weeks ahead. Those gestures of care for both those who are vulnerable to this virus but also those who are vulnerable to serious economic impact from a shut down amazes me, and seeing someone donate $1million makes a pretty splashy headline!
The stories that don’t often make headlines impress me even more though- stories of ordinary people pooling the resources we have to care for each other, recognizing the humanity and needs of others around us in ways that we may not be able to on a daily basis, and doing something about it despite the physical distance separating us. On Friday I sent an email to all of the families that participate in our after school program to follow up about school closing plans and offer support, and to let parents know that I will send out a pro-rated invoice for the days we actually were in session in March and plan to pay our after school staff through at least the end of the month. Without my asking or prompting, the majority of our after school families asked to be billed for the entire month, so that they can care for our after school staff as well as the staff cares for our children. It may seem small in comparison with what some of our celebrities and sports stars are giving to others during this crisis, but the response from parents brought me to tears and brings me such hope for the resilience of our communities in the midst of a daunting and uncertain time.
This week our children’s ministry is focusing on Romans 8:38-39, a reminder that nothing can separate us from God’s love. We experience and see God’s love most tangibly in the ways people show love for one another, often sacrificially, no matter what may try to separate us. I am deeply grateful to have witnessed this story of hope first hand, and continue to look for the stories of hope that spring up around us every day! If you have stories of hope you’d like to share in the weeks ahead, you are welcome to email them to me, Candace Johnson, at cjohnson@ssumc.org
Ways to Serve:
1. One of the ways we can serve one another during social distancing is to make phone calls and check in on folks. We’re working on an organized way to do that as a church, starting with gathering info for those who are willing and able to reach out over the phone. If you’d like to make calls, you can sign up here
2. Sign Up for Family Promise Volunteer March 29 - April 5, 2020
We are excited to be a part of an incredible volunteer opportunity in collaboration with Family Promise of North Fulton/Dekalb - ending the cycle of homelessness one family at a time. In order to prepare for our families, we need your help to prepare and serve meals, set up and break down rooms, and engage with families in homework, studies and crafts. Your help is greatly appreciated!
3. Sign Up for Family Promise Supplies Donations - March 29 - April 5, 2020
We are excited to be a part of an incredible volunteer opportunity in collaboration with Family Promise of North Fulton/Dekalb - ending the cycle of homelessness one family at a time. In order to prepare for our families, we need to stock the pantries (food and supplies) and provide activities for Saturday afternoon. Please sign-up for as many items as you wish and bring them to your religious organization no later than Tuesday, March 24th. Please ensure your items are labeled “Family Promise.” Your help is greatly appreciated!
4. The CAC is in need of volunteers in the short term who can help out. It seems that many of the volunteers are over 60 and are thus being encouraged to self-quarantine when possible. People who are under the age of 60 are encouraged to sign up to volunteer. If you can spare food for those in need, I can assure you – the need is greater than the stock at present. And as schools continue to close, children who rely upon government subsidy for breakfasts and lunches will be in dire straits. Check out their food drive list here!