Coming Back

Last week, one of our Sunday morning Life Groups, “The Pros Class,” met for the first time together in over a year. Jason, the group’s leader, took some creative approaches to continue to care and connect to the 30+ members of the group through the pandemic.

“The Pros Class,” meeting for the first time in 2021.

“The last time we met as a class was March 15, 2020. At first, we did two Zoom calls a week. We hoped to make sure everyone was taken care of and to encourage one another. I also did Bible studies via YouTube that the group could follow along with.”

Although meeting digitally was not the same as in-person, Jason continued to pursue people under his care regularly with intentionality until they felt comfortable to gather in person. When that Sunday finally came, there was much anticipation. The group dearly missed each other's presence.

Jason sent the class an email before they met on Sunday, challenging them to look past each other's differences of opinions and to seek to love one another with care and understanding.

“For the first time in more than a year, we plan to be in the same room together for our PROs class… While there are differing opinions on masks, physical contact (shaking hands and hugs), and the vaccine, let us strive to love those that might disagree with our positions on the issues. Paul writes to the church in Philippi to, "do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (2:3). I pray we all love another in such a profound way.”

Before jumping into the text, they had been studying, Jason led the group in a time of reflection over the past year - the challenges they faced, where they saw growth and a new, profound desire for their Christian community.

“As we gathered, most expressed thankfulness for the Zoom calls that we did for the past year, but each also mentioned it fell far short of seeing one another face to face. While community can happen to a degree over the Internet, being in person is how God created us to interact with one another.“

There was great joy in the heart of everyone in the room upon seeing one another. Loud conversation, laughter, tears, hugs (for some), and handshakes abounding!

One thing that we all marveled at is how much has happened over the past year. Zoom helped us all stay in contact as members of the group lost loved ones, had surgeries, were diagnosed with cancer, chemotherapy, Covid illness, new jobs, family joys and sorrows, and so much more.

Through it all, God is good and kind.”