Happy Pandemic Anniversary

Well, I’m not sure any of us would say that we expected – or even welcome – the passing of a one-year anniversary for the pandemic. And yet… On the other hand… Looking at it from another angle… There is call for thanking God for the last twelve months. Despite the upheaval, the change, the challenge, the constantly moving reality that has been pandemic-patterned lives, we have been the Church for all 365 days of the last year. In frustration, I’ve heard folks say, “But we’re not doing anything,” probably referring to gathering for worship. Nothing could be less true. Here is a brief look at what I give thanks for this day (sorry, the list is long).

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The year has passed with strain and stress on every aspect of life. We’re all tired (and a little cranky) over the whole thing. We want it to be over, but it isn’t. We can see some progress and hope as vaccinations proceed, but most of us remain unvaccinated and vulnerable. In many ways it is anything but a “happy anniversary.”
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And yet… On the other hand… Looking at it from another angle… There is call for thanking God for the last twelve months. Despite the upheaval, the change, the challenge, the constantly moving reality that has been pandemic-patterned lives, we have been the Church for all 365 days of the last year. In frustration, I’ve heard folks say, “But we’re not doing anything,” probably referring to gathering for worship. Nothing could be less true. Here is a brief look at what I give thanks for this day (sorry, the list is long).

WORSHIP

• We produced 67 worship videos without missing a week.
• We offered 22 prayer services, and Lent Midweek worship services are in process.
• We involved members by having them film readings at home. In fact, we had six new individuals read for worship who had never read for in-person worship.
• We held 20 choir rehearsals using Zoom. Some were social gatherings to check in with each other, and many were actual rehearsals in preparation for virtual choir videos.
• We formed a second bell choir this year, including several (at least four) individuals who had never played bells before.
• We produced the Twelve Days of Christmas videos to bring attention to a time of year that has gone largely unnoticed in the past.
• We have had at least 16 solos recorded for inclusion in worship services. This has involved significantly more soloists than we have been able to include in past years.
• We are now able to live stream services and have successfully done so for two funerals and one wedding.
• We also produced 20 "From the Loft" videos.

LEARNING

• Our Confirmation program continues with 80%+ participation from each age group.
• We produced 23 Church School videos and 14 Confirmation videos.
• We offered virtual Church School every week.
• VBS had 50+ participants last year.
• The high school group added summer Wednesday gatherings and Friday Zoom lunches to continue fellowship with each other during a tough time of not being in school and seeing friends. We saw about the same numbers as during the school year even with summer plans and fatigue. We plan to continue that into this summer as we're able.

CARE & COMMUNITY

• We welcomed eight members this year even as we met virtually for New Member Gathering.
• Adult learning met via Zoom with growth in the number of participants.
• We held a virtual Connections weekend to help members learn about life groups and connect with each other.
• Pause Groups and other Bible study groups met outdoors and on Zoom.
• Stephen Ministers continued to support members in different ways.
• Support and Fellowship Groups have met outdoors and via Zoom

OUTREACH

• We were able to fulfill the requests of all of the Advent Giving Projects even without having people in the building. Collectively, members continued to generously support our mission partners through God’s work. Our hands.
• We collected over 1,000 face masks for organizations to distribute: LWR – 275;  United Way – 257; LSI – 475.
• We were able to connect people who needed help following the Derecho with those who were able to help.
• Members took care of each other -- Grocery shopping, running errands and taking folks to doctor’s appointments, mowing, staining a deck and painting walls, and writing cards to homebound members throughout the year.
• The Food Pantry was open!
• Members tended to the Holy Trinity gardens with produce given to the food pantry. And we sponsored a flower garden at Northcreek Park.
• Our volunteer ministry with Family Promise continued over the last year, helping families transition from homelessness.

STEWARDSHIP

• Fortunately, we had already established systems for members to give electronically. Additionally, we branched out to multiple platforms to make it easier for members to give. We  also improved our overall communication about these giving options.
• Realm has grown with members creating accounts and using the program more.
• Our virtual annual meeting garnered the largest participation we’ve had in sometime.
• We secured and had forgiven $127K PPP Loan.
• We refinanced our mortgage and paid off Open Doors LOC – debt is overall $200K lower than a year ago.
• We repaired a sewer system failure at the Vicarage and raised the funds to pay off the project – a virtual call to give!

​To everyone, especially our incredible staff, I say THANK YOU! And thanks be to God for the strength and faith to persevere.
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Pax Christi – Tim Olson, Lead Pastor.