Picture This...

Connecting via Photo Challenge of the Day

      A year ago, as COVID lockdowns were commencing, many were wondering "when will things get back to normal?" A year on, we recognize a few things... first, that the "normal" we were experiencing may not be idyllic (and a re-boot might be a good thing!) Secondly, we've realized that we have the opportunity to be creative in how we interact!

     Obviously, this creativity is showing in how we do things like church - a hybrid in-person and on-line Sunday worship means multiple devices sitting on the altar. "Zoom-wear" may mean professional attire on the top, and casual jeans and snow boots on the bottom (unseen, of course!). Music performances (like Lenten Music and Meditation ) are recorded and online. 

     It's a different means of connection. And while it may feel strange, we are also finding new ways of expression. This past week highlighted one such ways for me, as an annual conference I'm often involved with has had to shift to entirely on-line format. It has necessitated outside-the-box thinking as we're juggling how to offer engaging worship online, how to provide pastoral care for those who seek it, how to reach out for folks with limited internet accessibility, how to coordinate advocacy strategies. 

     And while meetings are feasible, the social connection is again different. So we are trying new things - we initiated a photo challenge of the day, for example, inviting people to share on a theme from wherever they are - Friday asked for favourite bible verses, and yesterday celebrated finding joy. This has led to a great number of connections and conversations that likely would not have happened were we all together, as our attention would have been elsewhere.

     It's been lovely: sharing pictures that reflect ourselves, embracing the creative side, revealing a new imagination of what can be.  

     So here is our picture challenge: imagine if we can re-focus our attention away from feelings of missing out, to feelings of new opportunity; a sense not of being restricted, but of being liberated from previous expectations. What a picture we can share of faith in action!