As I sit down to write this, I just glanced at the calendar and realized that it has been exactly one year since I was in the Connect office at the church watching a news conference that said schools in Ohio would be operating under remote learning for three weeks. A few days later, on the morning of Tuesday, March 17, we sent out a message to our Life Group leaders that said we were suspending our face to face Life Group gatherings for the time being. When we sent out that text on March 17, we would have never anticipated how long everything would continue.
Throughout this past year, when it seemed as though everything had changed, it was such an encouragement to see that our Life Groups still fulfilled Gateway’s mission of “connecting people to Jesus Christ and to one another.” In such a short time, life groups were adding the words “Zoom” and “social distancing” to their vocabulary. Many Life Group members participated in a virtual call for the very first time. Some groups that were meeting every other week before the pandemic were connecting through a virtual meeting every week to stay connected. We heard stories and stories of how groups prayed for each other as emotions were all over the place. We loved seeing the creativity in the ways groups were able to serve in our community, celebrate birthdays/holidays, and continue to dig into God’s Word together.
We asked our Life Group leaders what they experienced during 2020:
“Over quarantine we have had a lot of struggles in our life group. Loved ones dying, people's mental and emotional health not doing well, job losses, and so many others. But the love, care, and support that has been shared in our life group truly has been amazing. Between sending cards and words/texts of encouragement, our group has really fought to stay connected and pray for one another. I, myself was struggling with a lot of person/relational issues and felt my life was flipped upside down. My life group surrounded me with so much love and support. I am forever grateful for their hearts that are so full of kindness.”
“I feel that our group has actually grown closer during this difficult time. Even though we can't meet in person we text and call often. We realize how much we need each other”
“It has been a blessing being able to pray for each other, celebrate answered prayers, and talk through concerns with each other this past year!”
“Our group has continued to be intentional even through the pandemic! We are seeing higher numbers of participation in discussion!”
We can’t wait to see how our Life Groups study God’s Word together and care for one another in this upcoming year. If you are interested in joining a Life Group, come see us at the What’s Next? Wall in between services or fill out this form. We would love to get you connected!
Stories, news, and resources for things happening at Gateway Church.
