The other day, someone asked if I would be willing to share with the wider congregation the report which I had made to Council Circle at its meeting a couple of weeks ago.

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These days, I can’t help but think of the words which Dickens penned in the opening of A Tale of Two Cities:  “It was the best of times.  It was the worst of times.”

The Worst:

There are days when I think how simple it was before COVID.

• Sunday morning worship was a breeze…plan the service and lead it.  Now we have the complexity (and concern) that all of the NEW equipment will come together on a Sunday morning.
• One of the joys of ministry for me was to visit and I had earmarked congregational visitation as a personal priority for 2020.  A challenge for visiting by phone now is that I am often talking to someone I haven’t met.  (I am thankful for the pictorial directory but there are a number of people who aren’t in it.)
• I have continual concern over what is appropriate for us to do at the church, especially in light of increasing COVID numbers.  How to balance ministry with safety of those coming into the church?

The Best:

COVID times are an opportunity.

• COVID has meant that we have had to rewrite how ministers do things…and after YEARS in ministry, I am finding this very refreshing.
• On Sunday mornings, I am seeing a team of people use all kinds of talents in many different and surprising ways.  It is amazing the way in which our broadcasters, sound crew, greeters and staff have risen to the challenge.
• People are so appreciative of phone calls and an amazing team of people phonins has swung into action to keep us all connected.  Basically, people are appreciative of anything we do to keep Kamloops United Church functioning.  It really means a lot to know the church is there and there for them during this time of COVID.
• We have a great staff team…many of whom are new to their jobs.  This newness is a wonderful opportunity because we can’t fall back into thinking we have done things a certain way before.  I feel our staff are all putting in 110%
• We continue to have, at the Council Circle and staff levels, excellent conversations around opening up the church.
• I am enjoying the work which we are doing with Marsha McFee and the Worship Design Studio.
• Thanks to the efforts of staff and the Worship Team, Advent is looking pretty amazing.
• A continual thread in conversations with a group of people around the church is that COVID has allowed them to see new and deeper ways in which they can serve at KUC.
• Even though our building is closed, we can still continue to minister as a faith community.

Blessings for Advent,

Michael.