Dear Friends,

There are so many things to work through as we move into in-person and multiplatform gatherings! There are logistical components, like getting the building ready, making the tech work, figuring out the support tasks, inviting people to help. And, like many other aspects of congregational life, there are emotional and spiritual components, which focus on making gatherings as accessible, invitational, and satisfying to as many people as possible. Both components require lots of experimenting to see what works – and feedback is super important. 

It’s relatively easy to gather feedback on the logistical components, and a bit more difficult with the more subjective emotional and spiritual components. 

I’d love to hear from you about how Sunday mornings are working for you, whether you’re attending via Zoom or in person, as we continue to work out the logistics. Please, text me, call me, or email me if you have anything to share!

One of the things I’m noticing is that returning to the sanctuary is happening slowly. I’m mostly just guessing at the reasons for that: there are people who still won’t or can’t risk being indoors with other people, and people for whom the experience of being with others is overwhelming after two years of staying apart, and people who feel less connected with Reeb because they weren’t able to attend virtual gatherings, and people for whom the mask requirement is difficult. For some, this is a super exciting time – and for others, it might be just as frightening as the pandemic itself. I offered this video about the traumas we might be experiencing, both because of the pandemic and at the thought of returning, and share it again because I think it’s an important reminder that our slow return doesn’t mean there won’t be a successful return. I hope you have 10 minutes to watch it.

In faith and love,

Karen