In these uncertain times, it becomes a challenge to forge and keep bonds of friendship and spiritual kinship alive and flourishing – no in-person Bible Class, no Small Groups, no fellowship over a cup of coffee in the narthex or in the nursery sharing childcare tips. The traditional methods of engendering closeness and community among church members are disrupted; what’s the answer to make sure our people are cared for spiritually and to keep those friendships thriving? For as we know, it is often those very friendships which give the impetus to church outreach ministries and produce God-pleasing fruit.
As one answer to this challenge, a group of young moms at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Memphis, began a Zoom Bible Study and fellowship time. The group meets once a week in the evening, and has adapted Bible Studies from the LWML’s Lutheran Women’s Quarterly. The leader, new member Jessica Peralta, was identified as a potential Bible Study leader based on the Time and Talent Survey she completed upon joining CTK. In a bold step of faith, she agreed to lead this new group and set about recruiting interested moms, including forming a Facebook groups called “CTK Moms” in which each mom was invited to share a photo of her family and tell a little about herself. Common hobbies and vocations were discovered and instant bonds created.
As the leader Jessica stated, “I was starting to get to know other moms before COVID-19 struck, and it is a blessing to have the opportunity to continue developing relationships with moms from church through virtual means while strengthening our faith through the Word.” When normal returns, whatever shape that takes, these moms will have this Bible Study group to turn to for stability in transition.
— Contributed by Genie Swan
