Threaded Together: An Introduction

 Um, this has been a rough few months, y'all.

As they say, we're riding out the same storm in different boats.  I will say, my boat has a lot going for it: continued fair health, shelter, financial stability, and a family that only occasionally drives me bonkers.  I am very, very thankful for my boat, and mindful of people trying to survive this thing with a lot fewer resources than me.

That said, the little losses pile up on top of each other like a game of Grief Jenga.  Ope, no Disneyworld this summer.  Another month (another year?) of not seeing my family back in the U.S.  Another major life event witnessed through my laptop screen instead of through my own misty eyes.

As someone who has attended church my whole life, not being physically present in worship with my church family has been particularly grueling.  An Easter egg hunt during our one scant hour of outdoor time was tough enough.  But no Easter message?  No smelling the fragrance of the lilies on the altar?  No struggling through the alto part of the Hallelujah Chorus?!

And...we still don't know when this thing is going to be over?

Recently, as I tried to get my head around the idea of a rentree with very little actual "reentry" happening, I had a moment of despair where it truly felt like everything was unraveling.

And in the next breath, I felt God holding me firmly, reminding me that these are exactly the moments when She will thread us more tightly to Herself, and to one another. 

So that's what this is: a way to reach out and say, You're not alone.  No matter what's coming, you're not going to be alone.  Let us be a small part of what's holding your boat together.

"Threaded Together" bracelets, ready to be sent to and worn by the kids in our small groups

as a reminder to pray for others, and that others are praying for them.

God of grace, hold us close.

Be our strength and our guide through these uncertain times.

Fill us with love and peace and patience, 

So that we can in turn pour those same things into 

the beautiful children you've given into our care.

In the name of Your Son Jesus, Amen.

-Rev. Allison

If you'd like to be matched with other families for support and encouragement this year, please consider registering for our "Threaded Together" family fellowship small groups: Threaded Together Small Groups