Zoom afternoon tea for pastors and lay workers

With the arrival of lockdown six, a regular weekly opportunity to gather for a cuppa via Zoom (a ‘virtual’ afternoon tea) has been offered to all the district’s pastors and layworkers.

These have been relatively small gatherings, but feedback has been strongly appreciative by various participants. It’s been a chance to check in with colleagues in ministry, and share (and normalise) the frustrations of lockdown with its continuing uncertainty and associated fatigue.

Participants have also shared various coping strategies, commiserated with each other, and for one pastor newly arrived in our district, it’s been a great opportunity to simply meet others.

One theme that has emerged from these gatherings is the high emotional climate that many ministry workers are working in. Passions can run high on both sides of the ‘for’ and ‘against’ lockdown debate. Ministry workers are often finding themselves the meat in the sandwich. Getting together and realising that we are not alone has been a blessing from these arvo teas.

It’s good also to laugh together and to be reminded of some down to earth realities and simple gifts – thanks Pastor Sam for sharing your cows!

Pastor Brett Kennett
District Pastor for Congregational Support