Gather in Community

Winter is traditionally a time for cozy indoor gatherings, warm beverages and fireplaces. We look forward to seasonal celebrations with traditional foods and loved ones in our living rooms. This winter is going to be different. And different comes with feelings of loss. There will be many things in the coming months that we have to give up. That sense of grief is appropriate. Take the time to feel it. 

And then go about the business of living this new life. For the next several months, we are going to be exploring new ways to connect, to celebrate, to play and to grow together. We don’t have to build our friendships the way we always have. We don’t have to show people we love them in the same ways. And we can encourage one another spiritually and relationally through different avenues. Here are a few humble suggestions:

Plan Your Week

Consider looking at your week and scheduling in one hour of connection (over Zoom or safely in person) with a friend that will encourage you and fill you up. Also schedule one hour with someone that you think you can encourage and fill up. We are rivers not lakes! Our own health depends on that good, gracious gift of encouragement and then having it flow out of us to someone else.

Are you a family? What if you asked a single person or couple to regularly connect this winter, to check in weekly, to join your celebrations? Are you a single person or couple looking for community this winter? Consider joining a family or other couple. Of course, we want to have those times of connection be done following health guidelines! But knowing that you’ve got a small team to watch your back and check in on you could make a big difference this winter.

If you don’t know people well enough to approach someone about a winter community plan, fill out Grace Chapel’s connect card and we will help out!

Winter is here and we are starting to fall into our new routines. For some, this is a great time to find their favorite blanket, warm drink and comfortable spot in the house to catch-up on reading books, on missed podcasts or binge watching a TV show. For others, this is a dreaded time of being holed-up inside and dreaming of warmer days full of sunlight and outdoor activities. This dread is compounded during this change of season given the Covid-19 restrictions limiting our social gatherings as weather is forcing many of us indoors. 

Just as Advent is a time to prepare for our Lord’s coming, we must be intentional and adaptable to make sure we are finding ways to maintain our social, spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing during these cold winter months. To find joy in being outside during this time starts with being dressed properly to make sure you are comfortable. 

One important element of being comfortable outside is dressing properly for the weather. A layering system protects us from the elements, while at the same time it is flexible to assure we do not get too hot. Sweating is a body cooling process we do not want to experience in the winter if we are trying to stay comfortable outside. The layering system is made of three layers: One, a base layer to wick moisture away from our body; two, an insulating layer to keep us warm; and three, a wind and water proof shell. When exercising outside we try to avoid cotton clothing since they lose their insulating properties once they get wet from the elements or sweat. Flexibility in this system is usually made in the middle layer and whether you need an outer layer to protect you from wind or precipitation. Of course, a good hat, mittens, and your favorite scarf go a long way to help keep you warm and keep you styling. Here is a link for more information on the layering system and how to be creative using your current wardrobe. (Yes, your yoga leggings or soccer pants make a great base layer.)

Once you are properly dressed there is a lot to explore in Lincoln’s backyard. Lincoln boasts of over 130 miles of trails within the city limits. In fact, almost all residents of Lincoln live within a mile of the trail system. These trails are usually clear of snow and ice before the city streets and are a great place to share a socially-distanced conversation with a friend. If you are a little more adventurous, check out the trails in Wilderness Park. These trails are in a heavily treed area that is often protected from the winds. Even with snow on the ground, this is a great place to get out and explore the beauty that exist within our city limits. There are parking lots on West Van Dorn, Pioneers, Old Cheney, South 14th Street and Saltillo.  

Another iconic park in Lincoln is Pioneers Park. This is a family favorite when snow is on the ground.  There are miles of trails to explore, a Nature Center to learn about our tall grass prairie, a buffalo and elk herd. Speaking of snow, this a great place to experience snowshoeing and/or cross-country skiing. This equipment can be rented to the general public at the UNL Outdoor Adventure Center.  Oh, and you cannot forget about the sledding hill that will cause laps of laughter and screams of terror on the way down and a workout as you walk back up the hill for another go.

Given the short, dark days of winter, star gazing can be amazing with friends. Sharing a warm drink with a friend and staring into the heavens can be quite rewarding. Doing a little research on what is prominent in the sky each evening will help you in your exploration. One event to look forward to is the Ursid Meteor Shower during Dec 17-26.

Lastly, one way to continue to gather socially is to move your small gathering outside around a fire. There is something special about sitting around a fire with friends and sharing stories. A fire ring can be simply made from blocks or purchased whole from a home improvement store. I’m sure Pintrest is full of both simple and elaborate fire rings. Many stores around town have quality firewood that is dry and will not smoke too much as it is burned. Of course, your favorite warm drink and s’mores only improve the stories that will be told. Here is a good video to remind you on how to start a fire.    

Yes, winter gets a bad rap given the cold and dark days, but with some proper planning and an adventuring spirit you can be intentional in creating some shared experiences.