Over the last 10 days, COVID-19 has increasingly impacted all areas of life for many Americans.
A week ago today I wrote “Worship in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic” to share my experience of virtual worship on the first Sunday most congregations transitioned from worshiping on their campuses in sanctuaries and other sacred spaces to providing virtual worship.
Today, I’m reflecting on just how quickly ministry has changed, is changing, and likely will continue to change as efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 become more systemic and more severe. A week ago everyone was learning about social distancing; now many have moved on to sheltering in place. In recent days in my area the two largest counties issued amended disaster declarations that closed in-person worship services, closed malls and other non-essential retail establishments including barber shops, hair salons, nail salons as well spas and massage parlors.
My Experience
After spending two decades serving nine congregations, I currently serve an ecumenical mission center.
The Mansfield Mission Center focuses on helping individuals and families thrive physically, financially and relationally. Our operations include a mission center, a community clinic, and a thrift store.
To date, our ministry has
- suspended programs offered collaboratively with community partners, including GED classes and VITA (free income tax preparation services)
- closed our thrift store indefinitely
- closed our clinic indefinitely
- closed our food market at the mission center to neighbor access, and implemented a drive-thru grocery distribution process
- transitioned as many programs and services as possible from an in person on campus experience to virtual experiences leveraging phones and web-conferencing technologies
- committed to continuing to serve our community while also caring for our staff and volunteers
So What?
The Mansfield Mission Center is not alone. Ministries are innovating more rapidly than they ever imagined possible just a few weeks ago in order to continue serving their communities.
I’d love to hear some of the new ways your ministry is serving your community, including how you are telling your story.