17^th May 2020 Sixth Sunday of Easter

Acts 17. 22-31; Psalm 66. 7-18; 1 Peter 3.13-22; John 14. 15-21

One of the wonderful side-effects of this awful pandemic is the re-emergence (resurrection if you will) of the community in the care for each other we are showing in all the various small and not so small groups around the benefice.  I am aware of many people giving and receiving this care on a daily basis, going the extra mile for those who are suddenly not able to care for themselves in the ways that they are used to.  We have all learned that we should stand on our own two feet and not be a burden to others.  But what if this reliance on these people is not a burden but a blessing.  A blessing for the carers as well as those being cared for.  Of course, it doesn’t need to be a major job being done that shows that we are cared for, a smile on a walk, a chat over the garden wall, a small errand or minor repair, or just the offer in times of shortage “I have some of that, you can use what I have and give it back when you can”.

I have been so fortunate to watch as these networks have sprung up in our villages, and the support they have been providing has been a delight to behold, so I thank all of my neighbours, near and far, for their kindness and compassion towards the others in their local area.

One thing I have noticed of late though, and I make no judgment of those involved in this care, is that people are beginning to find this constant support of others difficult, we are getting tired and frustrated with many things.  As a member of what might be considered one of the caring professions I am constantly trying to maintain the balance between caring for others and caring for myself.  As I do myself I see some step back, perhaps for a while, perhaps altogether.  This has led me to ponder.  I for one would hate to see this sense of community dissipate when we think the pandemic is over, but to help these fledgling networks to have a life beyond the current crisis those who care for others need to be supported themselves.

I have been thinking about this within the church context for some time, hoping to build a network of people to look out for those who might need some support, but our current predicament has helped me to realise that I have been thinking too small. We have seen parish councils, individuals, small groups of people offering their gifts and skills for the benefit of others.  How would it be if we could gather together all of these kind hearts and develop a network behind the day to day giving?  It would be a network which provided that ear to listen, the space to vent, the opportunities and resources to re-create and then return refreshed and prepared to continue the good work caring for others.

I currently have no idea how this might work or how it would be run or funded, but I am sure that the ingenuity I have seen over recent weeks will, when it turns its mind to the challenge will find the wherewithal to make it happen.

As a first step, if you are involved in one of these groups, know someone wo is or have a gift or shill that could care for the carers, then please get in touch with me and using the wonders of modern communication we could start something rolling that could make a difference to our communities for many years to come.