As we ease back into our previous lives, some are restless, looking to the future and
keen to move forward. Some are still hesitant, choosing to continue to limit time away
from home. Some of us, taking it a day at a time are in the moment. In all of this,
many of us are reflecting on the wisdom gained during our time of isolation
about what really matters to us.
Maybe you would like create memories of isolation. A project we found through photographer Amie Cook encourages us to document the world around you during this unusual time be it through words, a journal, or photography.
With so many humans confined indoors, mother nature has had a chance to breathe and recuperate. A University of Melbourne study reported dramatic improvements in local
air and water quality. The daylight air is visibly clearer, and stars are visible again. Emissions have dropped due to decline in transport and manufacturing.
People have reported that wild animals have come out to play.
While it??s unrealistic to think that all these gains will be sustainable, our response to COVID-19 has shown us that we can change our behaviour and adapt, quickly.
I hope for an ongoing decline in use of transport for international or interstate meetings and conferences now that Zooming has been widely embraced. Working at home,
at least part-time, seems likely to continue for some.
For people of Spirit, these are questions that concern us as individuals and as a faith community, as we respond to the call to love the world (earth) God loves, and to work for the Common Good. We are also committed to the care of one another, keeping in touch via phone calls and emails. The decision and protocols about returning to church for our gatherings will be made (in accordance with government regulations and Synod guidance) in light of our commitment to keep people safe.
In isolation we have had plenty of time to reminisce about life pre-COVID and reflect on what we miss (people, dinners out, walking in beautiful places beyond our neighbourhood). At St Michael??s we miss the face-to-face contact that comes with each Sunday Gathering. The casual conversation that happens as groups of people come together and discuss their week, the gathering and their plans.
While we have focusing on ensuring the online gathering is online each week, some of our other regular ways of connecting haven??t happened. One of these was the Sunday podcast. But now it??s back and you can follow your Sunday Gathering with our reflective podcast (a 10-minute conversation with Jackson Raine and myself).
These can be accessed on Soundcloud.
Thank you to those of you who have responded to my ??getting to know St Michael??s people? request by emailing me a photo and a paragraph about yourself. I look forward to receiving some more of these in the next few weeks. This week??s Zoom was also great for getting to know you (and for you to get to know one another better). You??re welcome to join in. The link will be the same for each week.
Meanwhile peace, Margaret
