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Grace and Peace, Thad’s Family -
I am writing to inform you that we will not be gathering this Sunday at the Willows due to public safety concerns of the coronavirus. Instead we plan to post a livestream service at 10 AM on Sunday morning. Stay tuned for the exact details of the service. While we are all scrambling to accommodate our lives to the current crisis, the Thad’s community will certainly come up with creative ways to continue our fellowship.
During this season of Lent, we were planning to focus on a different Thad’s Community Intention each week. This Sunday we were to focus on “connecting with community weekly”. How ironic that it comes at a time when quarantining, isolation, and social distancing is called for. Rest assured that we will resume gathering as soon as reasonably possible.
In this stressful time, I encourage you to look around your life and see who might need your support . Make phone calls. Send texts. They make a difference. Acknowledge people with your presence and words of peace and solidarity. As one wise person has said, “You don’t want to isolate yourself to the point where you’re not also supporting others.” Any church community centered on Jesus cannot just “take care of our own.” Might we be thoughtful, creative, courageous, and intentional in ways we can be a blessing to people and communities around us, especially the elderly and others most vulnerable.
And please remember that empathy really is a miracle drug for humanity. There is no need to discount fears and anxieties. Let’s empathize both with ourselves and with each other, and be aware of a tendency to downplay or discount fears. For many reasons, individuals will have a different response to this stress and we should respect that. Anytime there is something new, particularly when we can’t see it or feel it or taste it, it can create increased anxiety. The best way to decrease anxiety is to recognize where we have power and agency, then to bravely take action where we can.
Throughout this, remember to take care of yourself. Wash, wash, wash those hands, of course. Also consider taking a break from reading news headlines for a day, or pick one or two reliable sources, get the info you need and move on. Headlines are designed to get your attention, and fear is a commonly used method. I see this is changing and I’m grateful for the thoughtful responsibility the media appears to be taking to do their part.
I just did a yoga class this morning. Anxiety is a bodily experience and it’s amazing what can happen if we stop and breathe, remember the gift of our health, our bodies, and our breathing. Take a walk or go on a hike. Be outside in nature. Eat healthy. The earth is always there with nourishing energies for us to receive.
Lastly, remember those who are on the frontlines: the healthcare professionals, officials, and daily caretakers. Mr. Rogers said that whenever you see something difficult on TV or on the news, “Always look for the helpers. The helpers will always be there.” How true that is; the helpers are God’s hands and feet in the world.
Now I welcome your response. What are your thoughts and feelings? In particular, I welcome your concrete, practical ideas for how we might serve and bless people and communities in our spheres of influence. Let’s keep regular communication flowing.
With much love and prayers for God’s peace wherever this finds you,
Jon Dephouse
Thad’s Lead Minister
10 months ago
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This Sunday, 1/12, we'll gather to remember and celebrate the life of our beloved brother, Jeff Warrington. All are welcome to attend. We come together to grieve, to share memories, and to hold each other in light and love.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12TH:
10:00 am, regular Sunday service
11:30 am, lunch with Jeff's family and friends
12:30 pm, Memorial Service
(All events are at the Willows School, as usual: 8520 Warner Dr, Culver City)
#thadschurch #thadsfamily #inmemoriam
1 year ago