Caring for others amid crisis
Not only as the Church, but as brothers and sisters in Christ, we have a responsibility to meet the needs of those around us. There has yet to be such a pronounced collective need, not only in our own communities, but worldwide, as we have seen during the global pandemic of COVID-19. These needs come in many forms, including spiritual, physical and financial need. While we can all lift each other up in prayer and encouragement, it takes planning and careful execution to manage finite resources in a way that meets the physical and financial needs of those in our community.
Cindy DeVore and Jenette McEntire stepped into education support roles with our Emerson and Anderson students, helping coordinate supplies for distance learning and providing online classes through Masterwork Art Academy. Others volunteered their time staffing Helping Hand Ministries, led by Emma and Brian Smith, and Tom Marberry; and Hunger Free Oklahoma’s TPS food distribution sites, initiated and lead by Allison Biggs. Jan Creveling coordinated with the City of Tulsa’s Early Settlement Mediation Program to assist tenants facing eviction once the courts reopened. Teams of phone-buddies and pen-pals, led by Jan Miller, spent their time calling and writing the isolated senior members of the congregation to spread the love of Christ and keep spirits lifted.
An especially large effort to support healthcare workers, students, and individuals in food or financial crisis was made through the creation of the 8:10 COVID-19 Emergency Fund, approved by the 8:10 Council, chaired by Dr. Patrick Grogan. Because of these funds, the Church was able to keep food on the table, assist with living expenses, and give back to the healthcare heroes jeopardizing their own health to keep our community safe and take care of the sick. The connection to ICU workers at Hillcrest, through Lizzy Bradford, and to St. Francis Emergency Room workers through Lindsey Schuster allowed us to bless these hard working healthcare professionals with quality meals and coffee, while also supporting local food establishments. This just scratches the surface of the efforts put forward by volunteers and staff during the pandemic.
It may be cliché, but the saying “the worst of times brings out the best in people,” is true for our congregation.
Once called upon, Church members and staff of all ages volunteered their time to call and check on people, their energy to run errands for those who were homebound, and their resources to help support the efforts of the Church and assist members in financial crisis. Some parishioners stepped up in their own ways, offering to give a special gift or to deliver homemade cookies to individuals who needed some cheering up. We will look back on this time in history and say with confidence that we opened our hands to our neighbors and provided for their needs, whatever they were.
“If there is among you a poor man, one of your brethren, in any of your towns within your land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him, and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be...”
– Deuteronomy 15:7-11