Anyone can host and lead at home. When organizing a group, decide how you plan to meet and communicate. Maybe it’s over google hangout once a week, maybe you’ll keep in touch throughout the week with a group text, or maybe FaceTiming is the best option. If you will be watching any videos together, make sure your internet is fast enough to handle the needs. Be creative during this time, and be committed to real relational connection. Encourage each group member to have watched the videos or listened to the weekly message, so that you can work through the questions together.

Prepare by listening to the message and reading through the discussion questions ahead of time. Prepare a few extra questions based on your own personal reflections to keep the dialogue going. It’s always helpful to have some thoughts ready to share to open up the discussion and create a safe space for sharing and questions. Allow some time for reflection after each question – be comfortable with silence as people think.

Anyone can facilitate communion with other believers. The beauty of communion is that it was shared over a meal using items Jesus and the disciples had: bread and wine. We prefer and encourage the use of bread and wine/juice, but crackers/chips along with any kind of water/ juice may be substituted.

Communion is a time for followers of Jesus to reflect upon, receive, and celebrate all that Jesus has done for us. It’s a time for us to look back, to look within, a time for self-reflection, and a time to look forward.

Give your group the opportunity to reflect in solitude, read scripture together, and instruct your group to take the bread and wine/juice when they’re ready. Pray a prayer of thanks together when all have finished taking communion.

At this point in our church, we do not have the infrastructure to organize community service endeavors that would adequately support the complex and ever-changing needs during this season of social distancing, and our philosophy has usually been to participate in and support local organizations who are equipped and informed on best practices and who already have inroads to various communities of need.

If you would like to assist in donating or distributing resources, please click the below link for a list of local initiatives.

COVID-19 Outreach

Many of us are eager to lend a helping hand, but it may not be safe to serve alongside tens of other volunteers. Some of the most impactful work you can do is to pray for others, to send texts or emails to check on each other, and to give family and friends a phone call to show that you care.

We are doing what we can as a church to help those within our church who have lost working hours or lost their jobs completely as we discover the needs. Thank you for your consideration of our ministry and of the growing number of people within our church family who will have needs.

During this time, we know it can cause many to struggle with anxiety, fear, or lead to isolation and depression. We are sensitive to those dealing with such things and are here to offer prayer and support at all times.

Do not hesitate to reach out for prayer or if you need support. Click the link below for a few local resources and tips to support your mental health during this time.

COVID-19 Mental Health Support

As the current climate is constantly changing, so too will daily routines with your children. As many schools remain virtual and learning is now happening at home and online, more questions will arise and routines will need to change.

The Austin Stone church in Texas has provided a well-written document with a few suggestions on how to begin to approach talking about COVID-19 and addressing fears your children may be facing. Click the link below to view.

COVID-19 Talking with Children