Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

I used to be a skeptic, but Hallmark might be on to something. Getting a card in the mail (the snail kind) matters.

Normally the trip to the mailbox is perfunctory, a time to collect bills and throw out the junk. But in the weeks before Christmas, there are delightful surprises. Each day, cards arrive. Even the ones with only a signature are fun. For a moment, I think of the person or family, how our lives intersect(ed), and I give thanks. But the ones that are a real joy come on photo paper, with pictures of the kids (my, how they’ve grown) on Santa’s lap, the vacation photo from Mount Rushmore, the white-shirt coordinated beach pic. It’s a delight to see these images. 

If we’re really lucky, a card might contain a letter. I don’t even care that it’s most-often a form letter—it’s fun to read the updates (even if it’s highlights). I enjoy hearing about the family vacations, the job changes, the kids’ activities. 

My mom’s church used to have a card ministry. They had blank cards and envelopes placed in the pew racks. If, during the service, you felt a nudge to reach out to someone, you could write a quick note (then, or take it with you and mail it yourself). If a prayer concern particularly resonated, you could write a note. If someone kept flitting into your thoughts, you could tell them you were thinking of them. If you finish the note before the offertory, you can slip it into the plate, and the office staff will add the address and mail it. 

Now, I’m not encouraging people to space out during the sermon, to write letters instead of participating in the prayers. But I think this ministry is, to pardon the pun, note-worthy. 
I can’t count the number of times I’ve thought to send someone a note, and then forgotten. Or couldn’t find the address. Or ran out of stamps. Or tucked it into my purse where it became tattered and dirty. This ministry helps me act upon my good intentions. 

And as a recipient of cards, I know how much it means. While I’ve been recovering from surgery over the past month, I’ve received lots of well wishes from folks. The texts are nice, and the emails sweet. But those cards, well, they touched me. I propped them up on the ledges of our windows so I could see them throughout the day. 

This ministry of encouragement, of thoughtful and intentional prayer, has an opportunity to strengthen our relationships with each other and our communities as we listen to God’s call. Perhaps the new year is a great time to start.