It's the start of 2021 and the global pandemic has not gone away. Restrictions continue and so does our need to adapt and innovate so we can remain connected to and supportive of one another continues.
While we’re not able to meet in actual rooms for support groups we wanted to suggest 5 ideas of things you could do to encourage connection, to build relationships, send encouragement and have some fun!
1. WhatsApp scheduling
It doesn’t sound like the most fun but what about being a little more intentional in how you use the WhatsApp group that connects all those in your support group? You could try:
This can help build a rhythm in the group, grow consistency and presence and therefore potentially make it easier for people to reach out on the more challenging days.
2. Virtual coffee and chat
Why not arrange a video call and invite people to drop in and drink coffee ‘together’. You could get people to sign up in advance with the promise of a special delivery before the hang out, and then arrange for a sweet treat to arrive on their doorstep just in time for your call!
In the hang out OR in a group chat (if a video call isn’t what you/others want to do) why not generate some conversation/discussion? The win is connection with other people who ‘get’ it, not the manner you do it in!
From silly to serious, here are some ideas:
3. Doorstep drops
Perhaps you could make up a simple package to leave on the doorsteps of those in your group along with a card filled with encouragement and a reminder that you care? The package could include:
- A weekly video call with one or all of their children
- Food shopping
- An evening phone call
- Tagging in to help with homeschool.
4. Encouragement from the bible
What about sending out some verses and encouragement once a week or every few days by text, email, or card (or a combination)? Here are 3 to start you off...
Philippians 4: 6 – 7 NIV
Did you know that the calmest place in a hurricane is the eye of the storm? The bit right in the centre? God’s promise is that even in huge challenge we can have peace IN HIM. It might still be stormy, but His peace will stand guard around our hearts if we ask Him. Amazing.
Psalm 100: 5 NIV
What you’re facing right now may not be easy or good, but GOD still is and always will be. Whatever kind of day you’re having, you are loved extravagantly and eternally, and He is a generational working God who holds your children and their children forevermore. Keep going at what God has called you to do – it's an important piece of His eternal plan.
Deuteronomy 31: 6 MSG
You may feel strong today, like you can handle the way life is right now, or you might not. Great news – there's an invitation from God to get close to Him and draw your strength from the deep well that He has. He will NEVER leave you - ever. He will never abandon you - ever. So, breathe deep today. You've got this because of His mighty strength in you.
5. Have some fun
In Nehemiah the people were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem – it was hard work and they were facing opposition and under attack. In this context we find this great encouragement; the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8: 10). Joy in the face of adversity and challenge can be defiant, and it can also be a reminder of life and hope. It doesn’t diminish or ignore the very real challenges, but it can be so helpful as a weapon we deploy as we continue to journey. Here are a few ideas:
I would like to find out what is
going on in my area
