This past week leaders from the Southeast Portland Parish gathered over zoom to share what is happening in our ministries, talk about the supports we need, refine our protocols around slowly reopening using our bishop’s guidelines, and review an infographic from our organizational team which explains how all of our ministries fit into our why. As we talked it was amazing to hear all the things that are happening in the midst of our regular life stopping
The Blessing Box out front of the Sellwood House continues to be a source of beautiful community prayers. Neighbors and those walking by leave notes of thanks, cries of help, laments, celebrations, and ponderous reflections. It is an honor create a space to hold all these thoughts and prayers.
Our neighborhood and community donated an amazing amount of items to help our houseless neighbor served by Blanchet House. All it took was a couple of Facebook posts in local community groups and an email to the Parish community and before you know it we had filled the back of of our minivan with suitcases, hygiene items, blankets, and other items Blanchet House had requested on their social media.
As the closures related to the pandemic began this spring, our leadership team thought about how we could stay connected to one another. We invited one of our members, Megan, who has an incredible gift for encouragement and care to send cards to folks in our community who might need encouragement or care. She sent cards to 62 members of our community and then sent another round to them again. Time and again I have heard from people who have been incredibly touched by the cards they have received. And beautifully many have written back to Megan, offer her care and support in return as she deals with being on health leave from her work.
As we’ve broadcast a Sunday morning reflection each week we’ve had some folks willing to serve as speakers and readers who haven’t done it before. One of the best parts has been having some of our children who wouldn’t necessarily read in the sanctuary up front, but who are totally willing to lead online. This coming week we’ll have two sister read The Runaway Bunny as we reflect on a Psalm about never being separated from God.
We changed cleaning companies in March, and our new partner is a local black owned business. After the murder of George Floyd I reached out to the owner to ask how we could be in support of him and his company. He asked for help connecting with grant writers so that he could help young black people start their own businesses. We’ve been able to find a great partner for him in this work. At the prompting of our spiritual formation team I checked in with the company again. As a veteran he also works with a group of people to honor fallen service men and women. Once we reopen we’ll be hosting this group weekly for their practices. The desire of our parish to be in authentic relationship with our contractors, user groups, and neighbors fundamentally captures the way we believe we are called to be in our neighborhood, city, and world.
While we can’t physically gather we continue to care for our neighbors, support one another, create leadership opportunities, and engage in worshipful life. I am so grateful for the vibrancy of our leadership and the continued life we all share. There is no way we have stopped being the church.
-Eilidh
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