Making a Difference in the Midwest During COVID-19, August 4
Despite our uncertain world, there is still joy, grace and grounding to be found. While it’s not quite the same, we can attend church, volunteer to help others, and take stock of all the good that God continues to provide. This week we celebrate some of these moments and encourage you to do the same.
The New Mode of Worship
Worship and service centers in the Metropolitan Division are reopening for in-person worship with new COVID-19 mitigation measures in place. Temperature checks are common, and social distancing and reduced capacity limits are now standard. Handshakes, hugs, and other physical expressions of care and connection are on hold. But even in these unusual times, God’s blessings and newfound joys have revealed themselves.
Lieutenant Leta Marin from the East Chicago Salvation Army observed: “Prior to the pandemic, we would frequently thank God for the ability to meet together in our public prayers. That prayer has taken on a new meaning now, and we are all grateful for the ability to be together to worship.”
At the Des Plaines Salvation Army, like elsewhere around the Midwest, meetings are broadcast on Facebook live. Viewership has grown and is now reaching beyond the local community to other parts of the country and around the globe. Member Cecelia is now able to attend meetings online with her daughter, Patricia, who lives in Mexico City. This has led to a stronger connection with God, and Patricia has become a Christian.
Weekly offering collection has gone hands-free, too. Back in East Chicago, a remote-control truck with a bowl attached to its roof now deftly moves between socially distanced congregants to collect offerings. It’s a move that is both a creative sign of the times and quite entertaining. Perhaps this is an adaptation that will remain after COVID-19 has passed into memory.
Retired and Back in Business
Omaha, NE retirees haven’t let the COVID-19 pandemic keep them from being an active part of community relief efforts. Several volunteer with The Salvation Army Western Division’s Mobile BackPack Program, which has distributed more than 306,000 meals since mid-March. The program provides meals and food at 18 locations around the Omaha metro region. It is a partnership between The Salvation Army, The Food Bank for the Heartland and other community sponsors.
“If a parent has been laid off or furloughed because of the pandemic, they still have to feed their kids and make sure there is food on the table,” said retiree and program volunteer Barb Miller. “The Mobile BackPack Program helps families bridge the gap when money is tight. It brings joy to our hearts to contribute to this effort in one small way.” Barb and her husband, Tom, have been volunteers with the division for the past 10 years. During winter, they drive a canteen truck as part of the The Salvation Army’s Winter Night Watch mobile food distribution program. The Mobile BackPack Program allows them to continue to help those in need during the summer months.
Through worshiping together from a safe distance and volunteering to help others, we take time to maintain our connections and help our communities. While the world has changed so dramatically around us, we can still look and find joy, connection and God’s love.