Happy lockdown to you all!

I hope you are all stocked up with groceries (including toilet paper; sigh), managing to get in some outdoor exercise in between wintry showers, and generally staying well during this 7-day COVID-19 lockdown imposed by the state government.

We all respond to these situations differently, don’t we? Some more introverted people can quite enjoy the alone time, but some of the more extroverted among us can crave the energy and stimulation they get from being with others. However you are responding, I hope you are doing so in a way that nurtures your own individual needs and those with whom you’re locked down.

I must admit that I am finding the lockdown a bit unsettling. Normal patterns of activity have been altered, replaced by others that just seem…a bit odd; and these altered patterns will go on…for an uncertain length of time. The biggest challenge, for me, is the challenge to continue to respond, in helpful ways, to an ever-changing situation. Perhaps we can share with each other our own personal tips and strategies in doing so?

Regardless of the weirdness of it all, we continue to be a community of faith. I encourage everyone to keep up those connections, through phone, message, email, and video chats, with other members of our community until, once more, we can see each other in person.

“See you” for online worship on Sunday (yes, you’ll be sent a link!).

Meanwhile…stay safe…and stay connected.

Michael Dowling