Maybe your family is like ours and you’ve hit the crabby phase of quarantine. You made it through the first weeks of being homebound, but the month’s supply of snacks have vanished and you’ve hit the bottom with Netflix reruns. Even the cat is giving you dirty looks.
It may not feel like it, but there are some silver linings to this stuck-in-this-together situation we find ourselves in.
The good part of being stuck together
First, we are literally stuck together. In the same house. For who knows how long. No really, this is good news. You have your devices, so let’s put them to good use.
If you haven’t already, check out your church’s webpage and get the details about their online service times. Make a plan this weekend to gather your people, dig into your secret stash of snacks (we know you’ve got one) and actually experience church together as a family.
Lots of churches are making their children’s and teen videos available and this is a golden moment to have conversation that really matters. Here’s a few ideas to get you started:
- Get up off the couch and dance to a worship song together.
- Ask your kids what questions they might have about what you just watched together.
- Model how you process information by sharing: “Hearing this made me think about . . .”
- Lead your family in prayer together. Invite your kids to pray out loud if they’re comfortable.
- Keep it easy and casual and invite honest conversation.
If we’re honest, many of us say we really want to have these moments, but for whatever reason, we don’t. We’ve all just been given the gift of time together, so let’s run with it.
Staying in touch with your church
Second, we can get face to face even when we’re separated. Reach out to the leaders at your church to get the contact info of your kid’s small group leader, youth, or children’s leader.
Using your favorite video platform (skype, zoom, google hangout, etc), invite them to join you for a video picnic while you each enjoy a snack or meal in your own home. Encourage your kid to ask how their group leader is doing and if there is any way you could pray or help.
Ask about any other needs they might know of in your church that your family could help with. Offer to host a video meetup of your kid’s small group to check in on everyone. This is a great way to lift your family’s eyes to other’s needs.
Find resources to support you
Third, unlike our current toilet paper situation, there are unlimited options to support the great stuff you are learning while connecting to your church online. Want great parenting inspiration? Check out other posts on our blog.
For great conversation starters and stuff to do as a family, check out Parent Cue’s free resources. Want a weekly dose of parent encouragement and a place to access bible videos for your kids that support your church’s curriculum? Check out the Parent Cue App.
Now is the time to find a church
But what if you aren’t that connected to a church?
Now is a great time to connect with one in your area online, so you can get to know them better and then visit in person when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted (yes, that day IS coming). Do an online search of churches in your area and find one with some great online options.
The reality is, you are not alone. Your local church is thinking about you and so are we at Parent Cue. Remember that no matter what you are facing, there are people that love you and your family.
Do your best to stay connected with your church and your community and we’ll ride this out together.
Topics: Faith
Sherry Surratt
Contributor
Sherry Surratt is the Executive Director of Parent Strategy for Orange. She is the author of several books including Brave Mom: Facing and Overcoming Your Real Mom Fears, and Just Lead! A No Whining, No Nonsense Practical Guide for Women Leaders in the Church. A shoe freak and coffee lover, Sherry resides in Denver, Co with her husband Geoff who is Pastor of Church Planting at Southeast Christian. She has two grown children and two incredibly gorgeous granddaughters.
