Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (ESV)

How can we do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith, when we are physically distant from our people and maybe not even attending church in person yet. Is your church, in person, outside (it may be getting chilly where you are), or live streaming?

Some may be struggling with this, but we don’t have to. There are many ways to fulfill this scripture.

This little wood-frame chapel sits on a Christian Summer Camp in Brown City, Michigan.

One way is to continue giving to your local church (2 Corinthians 9:7). I attend a small church with big bills and big hearts, too. Before the pandemic, we were struggling. When we had to suspend in-house worship, we decided to add a PayPal button on our website.

Guess what? Giving has increased with separation. Absence must really make the heart grow fonder. Being able to pay the bills frees us up to focus on other things, like ministering to one another.

Speaking of ministering to one another, you church girls know it’s bible study season! Has your church started yet? Are you in person or virtual?

Sidebar – A year ago, not many of us would have even understood what any of this means and what it has to do with church. See we’re smarter now! Ya gotta look at the bright side. Back to business.

We are going to start in-person studies soon, even if a bit delayed this year. I enjoy bible study together and the bonds it nurtures.

Facilitating bible studies at church was a joy for me. I am sad to say that I’ve had to step away from it and a co-leadership role in the Women’s Ministry. I will miss it, but caregiving for loved ones can make life unpredictable and challenging.

When things change, it doesn’t necessarily mean an end. It can be a new beginning. Being present is what matters. We can be present for the church family in many other ways and, as a result, find ourselves better equipped for service outside of the church, too.

During the pandemic, we have had on-line studies, met over zoom, and even one-on-one discipleship in the park (my favorite).

Do not let yourself feel cut-off from your church family during this time. Stay connected. And please, if you don’t have one, don’t think you can’t start now to find a church family.

There’s more than one way to do church, so give it a try!

You can also find me on Five Minute Fridays – A writing link-up. The one-word prompt this week is CHURCH.
At FMF we gather around a single word prompt each week and free-write for five minutes flat, then visit other blogs to read posts and leave encouraging comments.

Unsplash credit for open bible photo.