Churches Build Connections Because of COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID pandemic has caused many churches to explore what ministry in a new context looks like. Five United Methodist Churches in Wisconsin have used the opportunities of pandemic-era ministry to their advantage and are building relationships in new and exciting ways.
After members read a couple of books about racial justice together over the summer, the relationships between Solomon’s Community Temple UMC (Milwaukee), the St. James Community UMC (Milwaukee), Sugar River UMC (Verona), People’s Church (Oregon), and Mt. Horeb UMC solidified this fall when 30 people gathered over Zoom to read and reflect on My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem.
Two of these churches are predominately Black and three are predominantly White and this created space for transformative conversations. Rev. Julie Wilson (Mt Horeb UMC) says, “Some statements that have struck me was toward the beginning, [the] surprise and gratitude that white people were willing to take the time to have these conversations. I found that particularly humbling. I remember one person from [Pastor Afi Dobbin-May]’s church saying this is the first time in a very long time she felt hope.”
Pastor Jason Mahnke (People’s Church) says, “this wouldn’t have happened without the pandemic. At minimum, the physical distance would have kept our churches from growing and building the relationships that we have. I am very thankful for the courage everyone had, once that barrier was removed, to come to the table to listen, learn, and share. I’m very excited to find out what’s next.”
Following the study, the churches celebrated Ash Wednesday together in an online service and several members have developed friendships outside of the study group. The churches are hoping to gather to break bread together in person when it is safe to do so.
Pastor Afi Dobbins-Mays (Solomon’s Community Temple and New St. James UMCs) says, “One of the most meaningful parts of our gatherings and even in our planning sessions was the felt grace of God. I heard one of the members of the church….say. ‘This doesn’t feel like an ending. It feels like a beginning.’ I totally agree.”
