Resilience
Melanie Erickson
Covid has been devastating for many individuals, churches, business sectors on the bubble, pushing many over the edge. Such a huge test of resilience. The resilient look for ways to adapt, thrive, and stay engaged.
Here’s an inspiring picture of resilience from Montana. We’re grateful to Melanie for sharing.
I’m writing to you from Missoula Alliance Church in Missoula, Montana, where my church recently appointed me to the Director of Senior Adult Ministry position.
We have never had someone specifically in this position before, although our associate pastors covered visitations, and we have always had very active groups of senior adults.
When my last job ended earlier this year, I had a conversation with one of our pastors, and he was very excited to have someone who wanted to champion this.
Please know that reading Half Two was very helpful to me in this new adventure. Last winter when I just had random ideas in my head, Half Two really helped me identify goals and purpose.
After much prayer we launched our Senior Adult Ministry in August. Yes, right in the middle of the pandemic. We started by meeting in our parking lot every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Fortunately we had beautiful weather and were able to meet outside for several weeks. This helped the attendees feel safe as we had plenty of room to spread out.
For many of them, it has been their gateway back into church.
Our format has been visiting time, singing hymns, and listening to testimonies of our staff members. I felt this was necessary in our situation as we had a major pastoral change a couple years ago and now have many young staff members. Some senior adults were struggling with the changes, and this has been the perfect way to solve that, thanks to the advice in Half Two. (They may not love the music, but they love the people who lead the music. :)
I ask the staff members interview questions, and then they share their testimony. This has been a very bonding time; the senior adults are telling their friends to come, and our group is growing each week. When the air turned smoky, we moved inside and decided to use the worship center instead of the smaller chapel … just so they could feel safe with distancing.
I have also been calling each household to see how they are doing and if they have any needs, especially those who are in facilities. As time allows, I'm trying to meet in person with those I don't know very well. I have a team of people who are available if someone needs a meal, a visit, or some kind of practical help, like putting in a grab bar, raking leaves, etc.
I think we are off to a good start in spite of Covid restrictions. I have learned there is already a pretty good network between them for meeting each other's needs. They are a joy to be with, and some are doing a great job reaching their neighbors for Christ.
I am not sure how we will move forward. Ultimately, I want to help them find opportunities to share and be in relationship with younger generations.
I hope this is helpful to someone out there. I was determined to think outside the box and get this thing going, not waiting until the pandemic was totally over.
Thank you so much for the Young Enough to Serve inspiration, and for the very helpful insights from Half Two.