In these stressful times, I cannot express my gratitude enough for the generosity shown by
all those associated with our church in offering help to our friends, members, and
community at large. A week has not passed without several people asking me if there was a
way they could help out with a financial or physical need. For the moment the minister’s
discretionary fund is adequately funded to meet needs—this is due to the generosity shown throughout the
year, and especially with the collection at the Christmas Eve service. If anyone is looking for an outlet for
service or donations, I recommend contacting the Lakeshore Food Club. With so many people out of work, I
believe they are bearing the brunt of the need.

Modern means of communication are proving very useful. Thanks to Jean Matievich, organizer and tutor, we
are staying well connected with Zoom. The necessary meetings happen, and we are even able to continue with
our Coffee and Conversation on Tuesdays. I make a few phone calls every day just to say hi; it’s nice to touch
base and see how things are going for people. If anyone should need anything, please do let me know. As I
have previously mentioned, people are lined up and anxious to help out.
We are fortunate that our county has not been overwhelmingly struck with the virus, and so let us hope and do
what we are able to keep it that way. Our current sacrifices and social distancing keep our community and
ourselves safe. I stop by the church once a day to pick up the mail and generally check on things. With no one
in the office, I would expect to find the mail on the floor, slipped through the mail slot in the door. As often as
not though, it is already neatly on the desk. People stop by to check on their particular interest or
responsibility, so that even in absence things are looked after and run smoothly. Even the Teddy Bear in our
window stays up-to-date.

It had been known for decades that there would be a pandemic—it was never a matter of if, but when. Tragic
as they are, they acutely remind us of our need for one another. Ironically, it takes a community caring for one
another to isolate themselves. And in this, we come to learn more about each other, and increase our affection
and concern for one another in demonstrable ways. I spend time imagining what that first Sunday together will
be like, and it makes me very happy just to think about it.