As our world struggles with COVID-19:

Our prayers surround those who suffer, the many who are working toward containment and healing, and those who sustain needed services for all of us.

We are meeting via Zoom on Sunday mornings. You can join us from your computer or by telephone for sharing and worship.  If you’re interested in being part of this time, contact us at upcob@aol.com and we’ll send instructions.

(The poem below by Laura Fanucci, a writer who also blogs on Facebook at mothering.spirit, was read on NPR’s Morning Edition this week. The author has given permission to use it with attribution.)

When this is over,

may we never again

take for granted

A handshake with a stranger

Full shelves at the store

Conversations with neighbors

A crowded theater

The taste of communion

 A routine checkup

The school rush each morning

Coffee with a friend

The stadium roaring

Each deep breath

A boring Tuesday

Life itself.

When this ends,

may we find

that we have become

more like the people

we wanted to be

we were called to be

we hoped to be

and may we stay

that way—better

for each other

because of the worst.