Submitted by Pastor Andrew Sanders, Fairfax United Methodist Church

This week has been interesting as I had a cold/allergies. I chose to go to our community hospital to get tested for COVID. After a couple hours they let me know that I did not have COVID. I know there are a lot of differing opinions on how we take care of ourselves and others during this worldwide pandemic.  I feel that as a community Atchison County has done well with caring for our neighbors.

I remember at the beginning of the pandemic during lockdown some of our parishioners went around town placing palm leaves on people’s doorsteps during Lent. In 2020 Fairfax UMC was awarded the Attorney General Service Award for the Blessing House Ministry that provides non-perishable goods to the Fairfax community. Since that time we have raised over $1,000 for Festival of Sharing and welded 25 frames for hand-propelled wheelchairs to go overseas.

Some things have changed so we may have had to rethink how we are doing things but we adapt so that we can care for others during such a turbulent time in our history. I believe that this time is getting better as days go by and we begin to understand what the new normal might look like. At Fairfax UMC we are going to start new gatherings outside of the church. The small gatherings will be discipleship groups, Infinity groups, family life groups, etc. I have a vision for Fairfax UMC to become a church of small gatherings. In two weeks, we will be hosting our first small gathering to train facilitators. Each group will be attached to a mission so that Christian actions and words are further developed.

Why small gatherings? Small bands of people allow others to be in a safe covenanted space so that they can share their successes and struggles with trusted individuals. Small gatherings help persons to connect with God and one another. In small gatherings we gain strength from our fellowship of Christians, finding acceptance that helps us repair our wounds. The strength that one receives from communing with others is strength to help us through life’s storms. In sharing with others, we receive wisdom for making important decisions. Lastly, in small gatherings we experience accountability which is vital for spiritual growth.

I pray that each of us find a place where we can draw closer to God. If you have a church home, I encourage you to be involved in its ministries and small groups. If you do not have a church home you should stop by Fairfax UMC; we look forward to seeing you. I believe that each of us needs others, especially in such a time as this.