3/25/20 I Hope & Service
Stories of Hope:
Social distancing brings challenges to one of the fundamental truths of Christian faith- we are created for relationship and community. In Genesis 1:28 we read that God tells newly created humanity to multiply and to interact with the world around them; Jesus travels with a group of 12 disciples; Jesus invites the isolated tax collector to dinner; he gives the Samaritan woman who is alone at the well the opportunity to reconnect with her village; the disciples are sent out in person to connect with all of the world and share the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. We are designed for relationship and community that includes more than a face on a phone/tablet/computer screen; how do we do that when we need to be apart in order to keep that community alive and well?
Humanity is also creative and persistent, and has shown a myriad of ways to continue to connect while staying apart. I've seen stories of adult children visiting their parents in quarantined facilities by sitting outside a window and talking over the phone; a grandparent played tic-tac-toe on a glass door with their grandchild thanks to dry erase markers and painter's tape; neighbors have set up picnics and "happy hour" in their yards to see each other and talk while staying at least 6 feet apart.
A little girl in Elgin, Indiana was feeling particularly sad about experiencing her 5th birthday during social distancing, as her birthday party was cancelled. Her mother found a creative way to celebrate in person instead; she contacted friends, family, and neighbors and invited them to drive by their home from 11-1:30 on her daughter's birthday. A half-hour long parade of community participated, many putting birthday signs on their vehicles, some playing birthday music, all waving and shouting birthday wishes from a safe distance. In the midst of separation and sadness, we still find ways to connect and celebrate!
We are designed for relationship and community, and I find great hope in the truth that we will not give up on creating and celebrating our communities, no matter what challenges are in front of us! 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 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 the church fellowship hall from 11-1 this Sunday, March 29th.
3. Jenn Lott has organized a food pantry based at Samad Mediterranean Grill and Market for families in Sandy Springs who need food while schools are closed- health measures are in place so only one person from a family can enter the restaurant to select items, but anyone is allowed to come, no questions asked. Donations of food items can be dropped off from 11am-3pm in a box outside of the restaurant. Volunteers are also needed for hour-long shifts to assist families; you can find out more about volunteer guidelines and sign up here: