“Are we there yet? No, we are not. We are still here.” This time it was not children asking from the backseat of a family car on the way to a family vacation. This time it was us, all of us, asking, “Are we there yet?”. Have we turned the corner in this pandemic? Have we come out on the other side? The answer seemed somewhat hopeful this Summer; however, the answer is different as Summer is drawing to a close. “No, we are not. We are still here.” We are still here in the middle of the pandemic; as a nation we are still debating masks, vaccines, and social distancing.” We are still here with hospitals that are overwhelmed and hunkering down for a Fall and Winter they predict will be horrific. We are still here, but we can be here together.
While small groups are not for just a time as this, for they are beneficial at all times, they are tailor-made for such a time as this. Social distancing can leave us feeling alone and isolated. This time of uncertainty calls for innovative and creative ways for us to stay connected, supported, and encouraged. The Journey Groups meeting throughout the pandemic have found that having a group of people who care about you, about what is happening in your life, who will study with you, pray with you, and walk with you has been a big part of their support system. While groups have been gathering virtually, when restrictions were eased, groups found themselves at parks, backyards, around bonfires, and at picnics. This last year, groups have come together to support each other through hospitalizations, grief, financial troubles, uncertainty, parenting, and marriage. While their support for one another is through prayer and encouragement, it has also been tangible through visits, food deliveries, financial help, a listening ear, social outings (with COVID precautions), and countless other ways.
During this pandemic and even when we get to the other side, we want to provide you with a way to continue doing life with others by building authentic relationships with others and strengthening your walk with God. Both are essential for your journey through life, so much more so in these challenging times.
Even if you live in another state or country and have only connected with us virtually during the pandemic, we have a place for you. It doesn’t matter where in the world you are; you can be part of a Journey Group.
The next session of Journey Groups meets in September, October, November. They typically meet twice a month, every other week. Currently, all groups meet virtually except for socially distanced outings when County regulations allow. We will have specific groups for those who live out of state or in another country. If you are interested in joining a group, please email me at pfielder@sligochurch.org. If you are ready to register, please click https://sligochurch.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/88/responses/new
We are not there yet, but we will get there. We will get there together. Even while we are apart, we will do life together.