Leaders,
We write you with gratefulness for the ways you’ve walked through this incredibly hard past year. As Spring has sprung and we find ourselves encouraged with the access to vaccines increasing, bringing with it easier contact with grandchildren, family, friends, and the hope of soon being more ‘gathered’ and less ‘scattered.’ If you haven’t yet had a moment to reflect back on this year perhaps take a few moments sometime this week, perhaps even as we are in Holy Week. Holy Week is a time when profound weakness and death produced victory and life. You could ask yourself “where have I experienced weakness and ‘death’ of sorts this year?” “Where have I experienced victory and life?” You may be able to answer both questions or you may find yourself resting more on one or the other. That’s okay – sit with what comes to mind and imagine yourself handing over what you feel to your Father. The Father who has infinite massive love for you.
With summer coming we want to provide a little guidance as you reconnect and care for one another this next season. As we reflect on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the aftereffects of the vaccine and the desire to travel this summer, our ask is that you would continue to connect in ways that lean towards connection as opposed to content. What do we mean by that? Well, we mean backyard parties and bonfires and going to parks for hours on end just to let your kids run free with other kids.
Over a year ago, we advised using an online platform to stay connected. Many of you pivoted and began to meet online, or meet in the cold around bonfires in backyards, or some of you found yourself simply falling out of contact and taking a ‘break’ of sorts. Research and experience have shown that digital platforms are suitable for maintaining relationships but not as ideal for forming new ones. This is a chance for us to continue and grow in community.
Our precautions at the beginning of the pandemic were not out of fear, but from a desire to love each other and our neighbors well. Our guidance now comes from the same place.
With care,
All of the Pastors on the Community Life Team
FAQs
How is Vineyard Columbus continuing to meet?
We are continuing to meet both online at www.vineyardcolumbus.org and in person at all of our locations. Some of you are engaging with the weekend services in person, others are attending online. We have been incredibly thankful that in the 2.5 months that we’ve had in-person services no spreading has happened at the services – the masks, space between seats, and mingling outdoor post-service is indeed working very well! Some of you may find that reassuring to know as you consider the right time to engage in person again.
I have an urgent issue and need to talk to a pastor. Can I set an appointment?
Yes! We welcome appointments and will be connecting both through online platforms like Zoom as well as in person. Please use this form to schedule time and we will connect with you in whatever medium is most honoring to you.
If you have any further questions, we’d love to chat with you. Feel free to email us at smallgroups@vineyardcolumbus.org.
