COVID-19 and Loving Our Neighbors
Just like the rest of the world, our staff at The Root Cellar and our neighbors are feeling the anxiety and some normal sense of fear regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. We know that this virus has a significant effect on those over 60 years of age. Many of our neighbors and volunteers fall into this age demographic, and we are taking this reality very seriously. At this point, there are 12 known cases in the state of Maine. Using wisdom and precaution in the coming days has never seemed more important.
We are dedicated to loving our neighbors. That dedication doesn’t disappear in times like these. The call of Jesus on our lives is to treat others as we would want to be treated. Kindness, generosity and hope have always marked our ministry. Additionally, we find ourselves needing to be prepared to minister in creative ways that have not previously been considered. Our continued question is the same as it has always been - “What does it look like to love our neighbors now, in this community, during this time?"
CONTINUED MINISTRY
At this point, the Maine CDC has recommended that groups of 50 or more should postpone physical gatherings. For the next 3 weeks, The Root Cellar ministries in Portland and Lewiston have canceled all group/program gatherings. We have shifted focus from normal programming to emergency response.
We will be offering some services in each location, while practicing social distancing and proper sanitizing of spaces. By limiting our staff and volunteers, disinfecting each surface regularly, we believe we can still serve our neighbors in these ways while complying with CDC guidelines.
We will provide the following services:
FOOD ACCESS
Our Lewiston site is distributing prepared meals in coordination with the local school department each day from 10 -12noon. Today, we distributed 58 meals, and expect that to reach over 100 tomorrow. Additionally, our Emergency Food Pantry will remain open and we will make efforts to continue to stock our shelves.
In both Portland and Lewiston, our Friends and Neighbors Network members will be served on an appointment basis, which will limit the group gathering risk.
NEEDS/PRAYER - We want to continue to be available to respond to needs in effective but responsible ways. This may involve sourcing material needs, connecting with other neighborhood partners, or simply prayer. Our limited staff in each location will monitor our messages and respond as we are able.
CHECKING IN WITH NEIGHBORS - We plan to check in with them via phone and digital messaging. Maintaining a relationship through the time of “social distancing” will be challenging, but we are committed to being present in this community in whatever ways we can.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
PRAY for protection, health and peace for our neighbors, volunteers and staff, especially those who are over 60 years of age.
DONATE - We need new and used books, crayons, coloring books, school supplies, games and puzzles! We will be offering these along side the school lunches that are being distributed in Lewiston each day. With over 100 meals each day, these will go fast! Donating these items will be a great help to the many parents who are finding themselves in their home all day!
GIVE FINANCIALLY - As our programing has shifted to emergency response, our fundraising efforts have also changed for the next month. Please consider supporting our response efforts and being part of this ministry. Make one time gifts or become monthly partner!
The Apostle John reminds us in 1 John 4 that, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”
During times like these, we must find ways to love, be generous, and act with kindness. Giving to one another takes courage and faith. Our response to COVID-19 must move us to use wisdom and caution as we seek to serve and share with one another. Let us cast out the fear, and seek to love.
As always, thank you for continuing to stand with us. Thank you for your continued support of our ministry and as we look into the coming weeks, may we be filled with the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus.
