"How Can I Keep From Singing"
Song and Video by Kevin S. Foster
Lyrics:
My life flows on in endless song; above Earth’s lamentation,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn that hails a new creation;
Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear the music ringing;
It sounds an echo in my soul, how can I keep from singing?
What though the tempest round me roars, I hear the truth it liveth.
What though the darkness round me close? Songs in the night it giveth;
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I’m clinging;
Since love is Lord of heav’n and earth, how can I keep from singing?
Practical ways to “Love Your Neighbor”
- Pray asking God to bring to mind those who might be at particular risk. Call the people that the Holy Spirit places on your heart.
- Offer to watch children who are not able to attend school or daycare, but whose parents need to work.
- Send cards. Email our Lay Parish Visitor, Trina Hooper, for a list of people to send cards to at Epworth.
- Call someone who is alone or might be lonely.
- Donate money to a shelter or food bank.
Make Cloth Face Masks
Attention to all Sewing Crafters! While we are all sheltering in place waiting for new Ohio directions to protect ourselves and to journey to a new normal, we ask for the assistance of members who enjoy sewing and are willing to volunteer their time, talents, and energy to make permanent cloth face masks.
The Church's goal is to provide a permanent mask to everyone attending Epworth United Methodist Church for Sunday services after the Church re-opens. Initially, we plan to distribute commercial disposable masks but we want to continue to be proactive in offering reusable cloth masks for anyone who might like them and to be a blessing to all of our people.
We are still working on the particulars which will depend on the number who volunteer. Sewers would utilize the Olson face mask pattern available for online. If you are interested please notify the office at 419.531.4236 as soon as possible. When we know how many sewers are interested, we will notify those indicating their interest, and firm up the "how to" part. Many thanks and great appreciation for aiding our community during these extraordinary times!
Make Gratitude and Hope Contageous
It is scientifically proven that gratitude reduces stress and improves health. So while the world is full of anxiety, be intentional about finding the blessings (and spreading them). You’ve likely seen the video of Italians who are on lockdown, leaning out their windows each evening at 6pm to create music together. Be creative and find ways can you (safely) spread hope and cheer in this time of social distancing. Perhaps the next time you run out to get the necessities like milk and bread, you pick up a few small gift cards and mail them to health care professionals or first responders. If you have kids at home, invite them to make or color cards for friends that may be feeling isolated. Have a teenager show you how to make a tik-tok.