Gentle Guidance

(written 7/13/2020, revised 6/9/2025)

I moved from Florida to Indiana ten weeks ago. Since that time, I have retired from full-time employment as a nurse and began my very part-time employment with the local Methodist Church as Hospitality Coordinator.

I knew this part of the transition was going to happen before I moved. I’ve been in touch with Pastor Jerry for well over a year now in these discussions. But I never thought there would be a challenge to making friendships and connections without face-to-face contact due to a global disease called COVID-19. The whole world is impacted by much illness and too many deaths.

It is very difficult, if not impossible to say the least, to make new friendships in such circumstances. Even when we meet others, we must stay aware of social distancing and hide our smiles behind masks. Many of us stay at home for safety and when we do come into close proximity physically, we don’t even say hello or even look at each other anymore.

Nonetheless, I am thankful for what I do have. Within a week of beginning employment with the church, outdoor worship has begun at the 120-acre organic farm owned by the church. It is a beautiful worship area nestled among the trees and the birds with old wooden benches, hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, and tiki torches. We all wear masks and sit at least six feet apart. Singing is not allowed to avoid spread of the virus. But we pray and listen to sermons and Scripture and music.

Since the move, I’ve enjoyed being connected to both the Florida and the Indiana UMC churches, although I think I am being gently pulled into a place of neutrality. Even though I still technically hold membership at the Florida church, I am only considered a “constituent” in the Indiana church.

Just last week, I was encouraged to make a video for posting to the church’s multiple media outlets in order to welcome new members, so I did. The churches’ Lead Pastor is away for a few weeks, but I will ask again when he returns about re-affirming my faith and transfer of membership.

Perhaps there is no better time than this, waiting patiently, as other new members have come forward to also join God’s church. I can stand beside my new brethren together in our re-proclamation of faith. I am told the church has gotten away from this practice but would like to restart this ceremonious creed once again.

All COVID-19 aside, I will listen for God’s gentle guidance for the best time to re-approach the subject with the hopes of standing together as new faithful members in this part of the body of Jesus Christ.

He will gently guide me, advise me, and watch over me in the best path to take (Psalm 32:8).

“The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
    I will advise you and watch over you.”

Prayer and worship should be part of our normal daily routine. This can be achieved easily, anywhere, anytime, leading to personal peace and growth in a relationship with a loving God.

I don’t know about you, but I welcome God’s gentile guidance in my life everyday. I am lost without Him.

Bonnie Zickgraf is a retired pastor, author, columnist for The Times, and an RN in mental health nursing. Send comments and prayer requests to bonniezickgraf@gmail.com. She will be speaking on June 29th at 10 AM at Emmanuel UMC, 16000 Cumberland Road in Noblesville. Everyone is welcome to hear the message, “Fruit of the Rebel”. Coffee, donuts, and friendly people will greet you! LIVE and recorded broadcasts are also available at https://www.emmanuelumc.org (Click on “Watch LIVE”)