If you are like me, a lot of your energy is being used online to do your work. Emails, blogs and text messages are a big part of communicating efficiently. Videoconferencing means meetings on Skype and Zoom. Worship in the last six months has gone from not even being online to only online. In our case we’ve added a new camera, a new soundboard, a new tablet, new software and learned (and are learning) to use them as we go. It seems like the bulk of time and energy has an online focus.

But there are two things that I have found are the most powerful tools I have in this time – the phone and pen and paper.

Like you, people are overloaded with technology in their lives. The pandemic has taken that (which was already an issue) and multiplied it. They are stuck with lots of emails, texts, and “Zoom fatigue” is probably in the running for a new term recognized by Webster as a real term worthy of getting an official definition.

But a personal phone call from you – no agenda, just checking in to see how they are doing – can feel like a breath of fresh air. Five minutes on the phone with a person without the pressure of having to stay focused on a screen because you are on camera, can be a chance for real human contact with no strings attached. Just ask, “how are you?” and “what have you been doing?” and let people tell you their story. Then ask, “And how is your Spirit doing through this time?” I have found that question to be a helpful follow up question and one that lets people share a little more deeply. Listen. If the Spirit moves you, offer to pray at the end of your time on the phone.

The other gift we can offer is an envelope with a first-class stamp on it. You know how much junk mail you get at home, especially in this political season where it is ramping up every day. If you are like me, you sort quickly through the pile tossing the junk and looking for anything of value. If you are like me, some days there is nothing worth reading in the stack. But you also know how you feel when you find something – a note or letter from someone you know! Your heart picks up a beat and you open it eagerly to see what they sent you. Leaders in the church would do well to write at least 10 notes every week to participants in this time. Let them know you are thinking about them. Thank them for something they have done. Congratulate them on a birthday or anniversary. Send a card or note on their baptismal date.