March 26, 2020
Hello Families and Children of Riverbend United Church.
You have been greatly missed. We seem to have come upon many sudden changes in our community. Our schools have closed, our daycares have ended indeterminately and we are no longer able to socialize in groups outside of our immediate families. It takes a little adapting for our lifestyles; however, we will get through this together.
Here is a link to this week’s Children’s Ministry lesson for Riverbend United Church children (The Good Samaritan). I encourage you to share it with your children. I will update the lesson each week:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oL3HM7HBZBJvuCP5xEY6mKdI3iL2cVhM/view?usp=sharing
Also, here are a couple of resources to help us with community involvement without actual physical access.
- There is a Facebook group called “Easter Egg Hunt 2020 with Social Distancing” that offers many ways for community involvement without physical contact. It is a group of families from across Canada posting photos and idea to encourage family bonding and activities to show support for the “Stay Home” movement. There are families painting on their windows, there are families drawing artwork with chalk on their sidewalks, and there are families drawing pictures to send to our seniors’ residents that are no longer allowed visitors.
- A while back, there were talks about having a buddy program within the church. This program would involve children and adults within the congregation partnering up, and sending one another pictures, notes and drawings. I think this is a time where this should be encouraged. We need to support one another, we need to show we care. Things seem to be changing rather quickly, but we could possibly look into options using digital media. By using e-mail, our smartphones and our innovative minds, we can make this happen.
If you are interested in taking part in this “buddy” activity, please contact me via e-mail: krystal_manuel@hotmail.com. I would love to hear from you!
In addition, these two websites are really great references for parents who have busy children that need ideas to keep entertained.
Social distancing means we are not able to hug, shake hands, or be within 2 meters of each other. However, we can still send one another notes of encouragement, notes of love, notes to show we support one another. There are challenges, yes; but as a congregation, we can be there for one another.
Take care, stay safe, and more importantly – stay home <3.
Krystal Manuel
Children’s Coordinator, Riverbend United Church
