Dear Friends,
On March 16, when I created my first blog post, there were less than 5,000 confirmed cases of covid-19 in the U.S. Today, one week later, there are more than 46,000 confirmed cases, although experts say the true number is much higher. And today, Iowa County saw its first confirmed case. I try to refrain from checking the numbers more than twice a day; I don’t want to fall under the spell of discouragement. But it’s hard, especially when my phone is going off all day with notifications and updates.
Speaking of notifications, I just got notified of the EMERGENCY ORDER #12 SAFER AT HOME ORDER issued by Governor Tony Evers. If you haven't received it yourself, let me know and I will be happy to send it.
On Sunday we had our first live online worship experience. I’m still smiling in recollection of that event. Did you know that there were 179 engagements with that service? I couldn’t tell you how many of those stuck it out for the entire service, but the important thing was that we were there – as a community of faith, we showed up and we worshiped together.
So how are you doing Plymouth? What are some of the things you are doing to keep yourselves occupied? Are you taking advantage of the time and doing all of those things you never had time to do before? Or are you feeling overwhelmed? I have been going back and forth, and according to at least 10 of the 50 jillion articles that I have read in the last week, that is perfectly normal.
I don’t have a lot of sage advice for you today. This whole thing is a first for me too. But I do know this, wherever you’re at emotionally, God is there with you, and I am here for you.
Grace and Peace to you all,
Pastor Joy