For those of us who have thus far been spared the worst of COVID-19, the quarantine has proven to be a very mixed blessing. As I write this week’s column, I’m in touch with some UUFH folks who are struggling mightily, and many for whom the shutdown is more about others’ pain and suffering.

In terms of the broader congregation, we know the longer the virus remains active, the more strained are our resources – spiritual, organizational and financial. Rare will be the denomination that comes out of this intact.

All of which has the congregational studies geek in me wondering what vital congregations are doing in response. Here’s a quick summary of how those communities are adapting:

○ Their staffs are rethinking their job descriptions, use of time and technological roles;
○ Their leaders are personally reaching out to members/friends, which in turn informs leaders’ priorities during and after the virus;
○ Depending on the congregation’s size, their ministers’ administrative support of various teams, committees, task forces and the board becomes crucial;
○ Their governance and organizational plans become more focused, streamlined and transparent;
○ They think of their children and youth when making decisions about the future;
○ They recognize the spectrum of responses to the covid virus, and anticipate the effect of trauma, present and future;
○ They know “normal” is never coming back, and “big picture” thinking, reading and programming are more needed than ever;
○ They find ways to serve those even more marginalized by the covid virus;
○ They continue their commitment to anti-oppression work;
○ They let go of perfectionism and unexamined expectations.

The good news is many of you have at least a working understanding of all this. Being a congregational geek is not just for ministers anymore, so it’s always encouraging when lay folk engage in this work.

So, here’s my invitation to pick the two or three practices above that speak to you, leaders and not; let’s we who have the luxury of health and time borrow from congregations with a vision for now, and beyond.

Hang in, everybody.

Don