Connection.
What surprises the last few months have brought us. Normally this time of year, I'd be getting my shopping done for family Easter, airing out my Dutch costume in preparation for Tulip Time, and making plans with friends to finally enjoy dinner on local restaurant patios. Not in 2020.
COVID-19 restrictions have taken everyone's normal and flipped it upside down. Jobs and health are in jeopardy, children and parents are adjusting to dining table classrooms, and healthcare workers across the world are facing an unknown enemy in the novel coronavirus.
Room for All has also felt these changes: one board member is a nurse in NYC, and another is a doctor in NW Iowa. We have board who are students, college faculty, and pastors learning how to move classes and worship online. Some of us have parents or grandparents who are more vulnerable to this disease. Our board also includes chaplains, HR professionals, and consultants, all learning how to live in a physically disconnected world for the safety of ourselves and our loved ones.
I can't help but think of the timing of this pandemic amidst the Christian Holy Week celebrations. On Good Friday, we'll remember Christ's death on the cross, culminating in the glorious resurrection of Easter Sunday morning. This year, perhaps, we may also especially remember Jesus' friends and loved ones. They were there too, hidden away in an upper room, afraid and feeling isolated in their grief amidst the uncertainty. This year, of all years, I can relate just a little bit more.
While we don't know when life in 2020 will be safe for normal activity again, I invite you to take heart this week knowing that after pain and isolation, there is new life! Easter festivities may not happen in the same way, but the resurrection of Easter morning will never be cancelled.
In the next few days, Room for All will be sharing some Holy Week prayers and Easter greetings from staff and board members on our Facebook page. Please follow along and share within your own social media communities! While this time requires physical distancing, it's our hope that you are finding ways to remain socially connected.
Wishing you a blessed and connected Holy Week,
Cameron
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Is Your Online Worship LGBTQIA Affirming?
RfA, along with some of our ecumenical partners, has created a resource with options for how your online worship can be more intentionally LGBTQIA affirming. Click here.
Already doing something else? Email your ideas to [email protected].
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RfA has a new mailing address!
Mail may now be sent to:
Room for All
P.O. Box 66022
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Mail sent to our former address is automatically forwarded.
Contact RfA
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