We are all hoping that the COVID-19 pandemic will end soon.   There is great concern about how long the social distancing and sheltering in place orders can last without permanently endangering the economy and people’s emotional health.  We are constantly hearing different reports about the length of time before life will return to normal.  Will things be up and running by Easter? Are we talking about the first of May?  Could this last until August or longer?  The more we reflect on the time, the more anxious we feel.  I am very hopeful and prayerful that this will end...more

Today is my first day to office from home.  We now have 4 adults officing in the same home.  Life has certainly shifted for all of us in many ways.  We are enjoying each other, but there are some challenges to being at home all the time, all day. In a recent post, I gave 10 suggestions for maintaining mental health while quarantined at home (see www.kenacorr.com).  The first suggestion that I gave is to maintain a schedule.  The reason that it is listed first is because I believe it is the most important.  One of the things that...more

We are not there yet, but all indications are that we will soon be quarantined at home.  Staying home for a day or two, maybe even a week, sounds like fun.  At week of “at home vacation” can be a great way to spend your free time, but what happens if that week extends into two weeks, or a month, or longer?   Suddenly, the “at home vacation” begins to feel like isolation and isolation leads to depression.  So, how do we maintain our mental health during home quarantine? Every family will be different.  The family with four preschool and...more

It feels unprecedented: a major public health crisis for which there is no known treatment; people being quarantined; travel restrictions; border closings; panic.  It is unprecedented in my lifetime, and it is creating challenges for ministry.  Recently, we asked our deacons to temporarily suspend hospital visits, our congregational worship service was conducted online, and our support groups are not currently meeting.  I am guessing that these will not be the only adjustments that we will have to make in the days ahead.  These decisions have not been made lightly and are following the recommendation of the health experts. In...more

The current Coronavirus pandemic reminds us how quickly life can change.  Two weeks ago, we were giving little thought to the Coronavirus and now that is about all that we think about.  The news is constantly changing: sporting events are being cancelled; travel is being curtailed; groups are no longer meeting; colleges are extending breaks and offering to complete courses online; businesses are limiting hours; churches are suspending services.   How long will this last?   What will be the economic damage be?  Am I and my family at risk?  Will I lose my job?   The possibilities are frightening and the...more