4/29/20 I Hope & Service

Stories of Hope:

As the timeline for holding off on in-person gathering continues to stretch into the summer, we find hope in the ways that people can connect virtually and from a distance. I moved in the beginning of February and didn't have the time, energy, or real opportunity to get to know my new neighbors before our social distancing/shelter in place orders began in mid March.  Extra time at home, however, has meant that I see neighbors out on walks, some of whom have enjoyed the art we put in our windows or gone through the sidewalk chalk challenge course we made. A neighbor invited everyone in our cul de sac to a Saturday happy hour in the street, each of us setting our own chairs more than 6 feet apart, and I've learned more about my neighbors in the last month than I likely would have in several months without shelter in place orders!  This shift in how community interacts has made me more intentional about community than I was before.

Recognizing how isolating this time can be for those who are not technology natives, some members of our community have reached out to help those who want help connecting online, sometimes helping in person across windows and doorways!  Some of our own church members have reached out and helped other members access weekly email and zoom meetings.  Connection persists through all sorts of challenges!  

More than 40 employees lived at the manufacturing plant where they worked for 28 days, away from their families, in order to make the raw material needed for personal protective equipment for essential workers facing the COVID-19 crisis.  The workers were provided beds, food, internet access and ipads in the manufacturing plant, and worked  12 hour shifts over the course of their time in the plant. Several of the workers said they they actually felt lucky to live in community and be able to stand closer than 6 feet apart while so many others couldn't; a new kind of community formed in their willingness to sacrifice time at home so they could help others. You can read more about this story here.

While community looks different during this time, it has not disappeared- we are not alone. You are not alone!  If there is a way we can help you connect, please reach out and let us know.  If you have stories of hope you'd like to share, please send them to cjohnson@ssumc.org  

in grace, peace, and continued connection,
Candace

Ways to Serve:

-Recycle your electronics safely and support the CAC Thursday, April 30, from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at Samad Grill, 8897 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs in the North River Shopping Center.  Minimum donation of $15.  Find out more here: https://www.ourcac.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/recycle.pdf

-The CAC is also seeking volunteers to help with their food pantry- you can sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080d49aaaa2ca46-cacfood

-Sign up to help with the food pantry located at Samad Grill here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d44aaab22abf85-feed

-Sign up to help with the food pantry located at Under the Cork Tree here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c45a8ac29a6fb6-popuppantries