Some care gets expressed spontaneously in the course of our interaction with one another. Most recently, however, care is being demonstrated in more intentional ways. On Saturday afternoon a group of people met to specifically construct a compass of care. A compass that will point us in directions in which we can be strategically helpful to one another as we navigate our way through this viral crisis.

What came to the surface in that discussion was beautifully simple. One: we need a way to communicate with one another. And two, we need a plan for delivering any help that might be needed by members of our community family.

The need for communications is a two way street. We recognized the need for getting out accurate and helpful information rather than information designed to create more fear. Such as, what is the status of our country? What are the best practices for us in limiting the spread of the virus?

It was also apparent that a communication channel needs to have a way for us to hear from you. Much of our concern focused on senior adults. If help is needed in picking up medicine from the pharmacy, or groceries, or a ride to a doctor appointment,  a number to call where someone can meet that need is one plan that is being developed. No one needs to be alone in the time of social distancing.

The added need of communications is more abstract but just as real. We need one another. We need to maintain the connections that have meant so much to our emotional and spiritual well-being.  Worshiping God together is of fundamental importance in creating the kind of community in which we want to live.  Our technology-gifted folks are developing a way for us to connect via the Soul Cafe youtube channel.  We will send a link that will take you to videos that are being created even as early as this morning

The second strategic area was in putting together a delivery system that can get help to where it is needed. That delivery system needs to be robust, flexible, and responsive. In many ways we have to design a delivery system of care not knowing fully what care might be needed. How quickly will this crisis be over? We don’t know that yet. How bad might it get? We don’t know that. The objective will be something of a moving target. The feeling in the group was that we need to be prepared to meet the most severe needs of which we are capable of meeting and living in the hope that it is never needed.

On Monday evening a group of “implementors” is going to meet to flesh out the objectives of communication and delivery. We will prioritize things that must be done first and things that must be done later or as need arises. On Tuesday it will be “all hands on deck” time. I have a feeling that there is going to be a task for every one of us as we build our lives together.

For everyone out there, know that your community is working for you and with you. You are the most wonderful human beings on this planet. We’ll be in touch very soon.