There is so much challenging and frankly defeating news these days. Divisions in our nation spill over into our communities. School is starting with uncertainty and difficult decisions. Administrators thrust into the role of public health experts as they try to discern what is next for them. Congregations still grappling with how to meet, or whether to meet, in the midst of pandemic.
Yet in the midst of this the church continues to be the church. Serving and caring for our neighbors in many and various ways. Acts of kindness and love lived out because of the work of the life giving gospel we experience in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
So this post is dedicated to sharing some good news of ways communities are serving or celebrations we are having in this time. It is by no means comprehensive, but shared in hope to inspire and encourage us…
Good news happening in the time of pandemic. King of Glory Lutheran Church in Dallas has filled over 500 backpacks with school supplies for students at a pre-k in their community. Regardless of how this school year goes 500 families in their community know that a local Lutheran congregation cares for their children. Great job KOG and to all our NT-NL Synod, ELCA congregations serving their neighbors in this time.
Good news happening in the confirmation of 15 young people and first communion of 10 in an outdoor, masked, socially distanced bi-lingual celebration at San Gabriel, Alvarado.
Good news when volunteers step up for yard maintenance at Abiding Grace, Southlake.
Good news when Trinity, FW and their Children’s Center combine to collect a mountain of food for WestAid, a feeding ministry in Fort Worth that put out a call for assistance in this time.
Good news when First Lutheran, Longview finds a way to safely gather some small groups together giving life giving fellowship and learning.
Good news when Shepherd of Life, Arlington continues to share generously with their food program, Shepherd’s Pantry throughout the pandemic.
Good news when Vicar Nick Schmidlin (Faith, Flower Mound) goes to drill for his training to be an army chaplain. Serving both as an ELCA pastor as well as our service women and men around the world.
Good news when youth gather online for games and fun and connection throughout this pandemic with their local congregations or with the Briarwood staff. There is much good news to share and we do this together. This is just a quick collection of things that have come across social media feeds. There is much good news.
Our Briarwood summer staff, closing out this year, created one more great video for you to share. They joined together to sing Lean on Me in an online experience that is worth sharing. Take a listen and be inspired. There is much good news.