Who is that masked man or woman?

 Living in the pandemic the wearing of face masks has become a normal act. They are lifesaving for many and a necessity for some.  They also have some down sides when trying to maintain social distancing and re-open or return to normal life.There are several facts that people in ministry or

working with the public in any capacity. should consider.

1.WITH A MASK ON FACIAL EXPRESSIONS ARE LOST.

I do so miss seeing a smiling face! We read so much in our communication by the lift of a lip or eyebrow to inform us as to the state of the other: are they grumpy, mad, tired, bored, happy? Who knows? I have fantasized about those old church-fans, the ones on sticks and made of paper, with a smile or word to express something beyond eyes above a piece of cloth and mumbled phrases.

2. WITH THE MASK ON WORDS ARE NOT CLEAR

The feedback to your own ears is such that you think you are speaking louder than you really are. The cloth captures and holds your words. One must speak louder, with greater attention to clarity and elecution but without sounding disgruntled or abrupt. A narrow and tricky path to trod that can be.

3.WITH THE MASK ON PEOPLE ARE ANNONYMOUS

Some introverts love the masks for that reason but for many others there is the feeling a large carton of rubber duckies have been dumped into a small pond and are bobbing around all looking exactly the same.  Name tags are helpful and for some a necessity. A name tag invites notice and says "I want to be seen as a person - an individual."

4. WITH THE MASK ON WE ARE ALL CLUELESS

With the attention and focus on social distancing there has been a pulling back of all types of connection.  Handshakes are often frowned on and close contact likewise. Close conversations at six feet are next to impossible!! The void should be filled with contact in other forms: phone calls, emails, Facebook pages, YouTube services.   The church newsletter, sent via email, is a perfect tool to keep connection in place, encourage people, and share life's joys and concerns.  Each small group should be seen as a focused ministry group and be actively ministering to the people in their circle. Each person a ripple in a large and ever expanding pool of ministry!