In a time of uncertainty, change, and loss, rituals can be a great help.  There are rituals for big things in life: weddings, funerals, and birthdays, and we can create rituals for anything.

As a pastor, I have created and/or led rituals for home blessings, for friends moving, for leaving a home, and more.  In seminary, my classmates and I studied rituals and created them for life events.

As you continue in this pandemic, let me know if I can help you create a ritual.  It might be a way to lament something that you’ve lost or given up, something like a trip, graduation, or even a job.  Please reach out, catherine@mygpc.org

~Catherine Neelly Burton

Each year we receive the PCUSA One Great Hour of Sharing offering at Palm Sunday and Easter. This offering goes to support three areas of ministry in the national PCUSA:

• The Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
• The Presbyterian Hunger Program
• The Self-Development of People program.

At the end of March 2020, the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program set aside over two million dollars to be used in response to the current pandemic.  Our support of this offering goes to continuing this good work.  Find out more and donate here:  https://specialofferings.pcusa.org/offering/oghs/

The Grace Christian Discipleship Team met virtually this week.  We brainstormed ways to connect with the congregation in this time.  Right now, Martin Burch’s Tuesday Zoom class is the primary Christian Education offering.  We’re considering what else we might offer virtually, and we have a request.

What are you doing at home right now?  Are you reading the daily lectionary?  Do you have a favorite devotional practice?  Is there a website or blog that you find particularly helpful?  Maybe you most connect with God on your long walks or while listening to music.

Will you email catherine@mgypc.org and share what you’re doing?  We’ll then share your ideas with the congregation.

The Grace Refugee Team met online last Friday.  In addition to Grace, the meeting included a member of First Presbyterian and two staff members from the International Rescue Committee (IRC).  The team and IRC are grateful for the wonderful response to the March Yellow Bag drive.  All of the items donated were delivered to the IRC.

IRC has now closed their office, but the staff continues to work with clients. Like other vulnerable groups, the refugee community has unique challenges related to the Coronavirus.  In particular there are challenges for students in the USD 259 system related to getting their “at home” packets.  Many of the parents do not speak English or have computer access.

A current need is for English speakers. As IRC works to get tablets and internet access to families, English speaking volunteers are needed to speak with children to help them practice their English.  Volunteers can also read books online.  To volunteer call 316-351-5495.  IRC is now receiving mail at: IRC, Attn: Megan Webb, P.O. Box 21107, Wichita 67208.

First Presbyterian and Grace continue to plan for the annual back to school event for refugee families.