How many of my blogs have started with “Who would have thought that we are still here…” but yet here we are, still. Trying to figure out how to stay connected and take care of each other. News of vaccinations is a ray of hope, especially for me personally, knowing that the older members of my extended family are getting their vaccinations.
But it is still hard to picture what things will look like for all aspects of our lives when we declare this crisis over. I am sure that lots of things will be different or altered. But that is not a bad thing. To quote Jan Swicord, “It can be helpful and strengthening during these times to identify and re-commit to core ideologies, our deepest beliefs, our sense of self and vocation.”
That’s why I am super excited for our Being SJLC 2021 Zoom gatherings. During the sessions, we’ll contemplate these important questions:
Why is St. John’s located at 5952 Franconia Road? Why do we exist as a congregation? What would be lost if we did not? What would be the impact around us, locally and farther out, if we ceased to be? What is St. John’s identity? What must we protect? What purposes and principles are central to our identity? What are we willing to let go to continue the mission?
There is no need to RSVP to participate, just show up and be part of the facilitated conversation. Times and dates are:
- February 4, Thursday evening, 7:30-9:00pm
- February 6, Saturday afternoon, 2:00-3:30pm
- February 8, Monday evening, 8:00-9:30pm
- February 11, Thursday morning, 10:00-11:30am
The same meeting link and information will be used for all meetings. You join at:
https://zoom.us/j/92135808716?pwd=UXZjWjVZNFp4TDFIcW1URW1wYUJGdz09
Meeting ID: 921 3580 8716
Passcode: 951167
If you can’t participate in any of the Zooms but have thoughts you would like to share, just e-mail them to me at council.president@sjlc.com. Please keep all participants in your prayers, that we can still our minds and open our hearts to God’s direction.