After a Pandemic Winter, Share the Renewal of Spring

Christians recently celebrated Easter and reflected on the resurrection of Christ. Regardless of one’s faith tradition, spring itself is celebrated by many as a season of resurrection and renewal of life. The browns of fall and winter give way to vibrant greens, yellows and pinks. We awaken each morning to the sun’s bright rays and the sound of birds chirping. The days grow longer. Flower buds are sprouting, and trees are blooming. The earth is coming alive! 

After a year of being weighed down with the COVID-19 pandemic, the rollout of vaccines this spring brings its own season of resurrection and renewal. People are emerging from the shelter and relative isolation of their homes seeking social and spiritual connections with others once again.

The desire to connect and thirst for community has never been greater.  The door is opening to feel comfortable once again in small social gatherings with family and friends. Grandparents who haven’t seen their children or grandchildren in a year now can see them face-to-face after being vaccinated. 

Many congregations are moving to in-person worship again. Spring represents new beginnings. How is your faith community breathing new life into others? Now is the time to check in again with your senior members. Do they need yardwork done, gutters cleaned, windows washed? They would be happy to reconnect and know their community is mindful of them.

CICOA is featured monthly on RadioNext Jumbolove to share information about CICOA services with the greater Indianapolis community. Join us on the second Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m. on CICOA’s Facebook Page.

Denise Jones Harrington

Denise Jones Harrington is a Licensed Social Worker and Addictions Counselor. As the Faith Partnership Coordinator, she is responsible for building collaborative relationships with faith communities by introducing them to the services of CICOA. Denise has worked as a contractual therapist for over 25 years, providing services under her own name. She has been a therapist with Alpha Resources Inc. for 19 years and served as the Senior Ministry Consultant for Irvington, Faith and Northminster Presbyterian Churches for the last five years. She also volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association and serves on the Community Advisory Board for the Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease and Research Center.