I entered a time of grief when congregations made the difficult decision to suspend ALL in-person worship as a result of this pandemic. I was looking forward to returning to Desert Garden UCC to preach on Sunday, March 22nd, followed by an educational offering to talk about W.I.S.E. and accessibility in the church. On Sunday, March 29th, I was scheduled to preach at Church of the Painted Hills. I look forward to shifting back into in-person ministry as soon as this life-altering pandemic subsides.

I struggled to come to terms with the reality that I must shift from conducting an in-person to virtual ministry as a result of the pandemic. This has not been easy, to say the least, as I have struggled to notice how God is guiding and speaking to me in the midst of this crisis. My prayers were answered when God found me wandering in the wilderness on April 7th. I joined leaders of the UCC Disabilities and Mental Health Justice Ministries for critical conversations and resources for people with mental health challenges and different abilities during a global pandemic.

The panelists were asked to share, “what they been hearing from folks in the mental health and differently-abled community.” Many people are grieving the loss of community and a sense of belonging. Individuals in the mental health and differently-abled community are experiencing as one panelist shared, “a lack of sensitivity due to various different abilities.” I was shocked and appalled to learn that essential services such as grocers cannot enter high-rise buildings. The panelist added, the delivery must be left outside, and the recipient must claim it under their own power. What if you could only walk a few feet with a walker before you had to stop to catch your breath. Would you be willing to go the extra mile for the differently-abled person in your building, neighborhood, or church family to purchase and deliver essentials like groceries?

To limit the spread of this pandemic, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the practice of social distancing. As a result of this practice, our still speaking God challenges us to “be the church” in a new and different light. Since we are unable to be together in a physical space, many churches are using Zoom, Facebook Live, and YouTube to conduct virtual worship experiences on Sundays and throughout the week.

As our churches continue to offer virtual worship experiences, how can we remain connected to God and each other throughout the remaining course of this pandemic? The idea of the connectedness with God and each other is especially vital to our members and friends with mental health challenges and different abilities. Our congregations can provide spiritual support through Zoom, either individually or as a group. You could provide an opportunity for weekly check-ins and see if anyone needs assistance.

Click here to access the webinar from April 7th.

If I could be of service to you, feel free to contact me directly by email swclayminister@gmail.com or by phone 623-570-5656.

Know that I am praying with and partnering with all of you from a safe, loving, and supportive distance.