We are Not Alone!

Rev. Anita Mays-Lucord, the pastor of Ivey Memorial UMC recently shared this story with me of how unknown people in her church reminded her that we are still the church together, even when we are apart:

The week after Easter I walked into the sanctuary at Ivey Memorial UMC to check on some things, and was surprised to find the pews “full.”  Printed-out pictures of “people” were taped to the back of the pews.  I still don’t know who did it, but it was a gesture that really moved me.  As I looked at all the “people” in the pews, it was a reminder that the church is alive and well, even if we can’t gather together in our buildings as usual.  It also served as a reminder that while I as the pastor was working to love and support my congregation, the congregation was also loving and supporting me.  To me, each picture represents a church member (or hopefully a future church member).  A few weeks later, I walked into the sanctuary and found similar images of “children” taped to paper bags and sitting in the spot in the front of the sanctuary where I usually gather with children during worship for “children’s chat.”  The children’s names are:  Kindness, Love, Goodness, Peace, Joy, and Hope.  Last week I sat among these “children” to record the message for our worship service  video that I posted on the internet.  In the efforts someone took to create, print, tape, and love…. God has shown up at Ivey Church.

One of the blessings of the COVID-19 season is the reminder that “the church” is not a group of people who simply gather weekly for worship. Our connections to God and one another go much deeper–and I pray you will find ways to remind yourself and your neighbors of just how connected God’s church is this week!

Remember, God is working in many different ways during this season. So, keep your eyes open for how God is working. Take some time to share those stories with me, either through email (andrewbook@vaumc.org) or phone (757-771-4224).