I hope that you and your family are safe and well as we enter week two of this new reality.  Chances are that you may be going a little stir crazy but, hopefully, you have had the chance to get outside and enjoy the very beginning of spring (I say as we’re about to get 7 + inches of snow)…
 
            This last week has been a steep learning curve for me, both as pastor of the West Parish Congregational Church and the president of this club with things like learning to schedule and host ZOOM meetings and record a worship service to be put on You Tube and Facebook.  I’m sure that others are discovering the new world of connecting virtually with family, friends, and work in so many new ways.
 
            This week what is hitting me especially hard is that Opening Day of baseball season was supposed to start.  Baseball, along with every other sport, is suspended indefinitely.  Opening Day has always been like a national holiday to me and the truest indication of the beginning of spring.  So, this year, I will have to find other ways to mark the beginning of spring.  As a pastor, I’m sure it will be even stranger when Easter services will need to be held online.  All of which makes me believe that, once we are through this time and things return to “normal,” it will be one heck of a celebration. 
 
            In what ways are you keeping your spirits up and your focus outward during this time?  The Bethel Area Neighborhood Response continues to be a great way that neighbors are coming together to support one another during this time.  The Bethel Food Pantry will be open every Wednesday throughout the immediate future and can use volunteers (especially those under 60).  You can contact Dave Bean at beand@gouldacademy.org to sign up.  There are other volunteer opportunities through the flyer that Steve sent to everyone this past week and through the Chamber of Commerce website. 
 
            Remember, please continue to send those Happy Dollars to Michele by Monday of each week.  Be safe and well and let’s all look forward to the celebration when we will be able to meet in person again. 
 
In Rotary spirit,
        Tim