In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, most life groups have stopped meeting in person - but some life group leaders, such as Alissa Tanguay, have continued meeting with their groups online.
Before Southern moved to online learning, 70 life groups were active over the Winter 2020 semester according to Anna Bennett, Associate Chaplain. And, because of student employment changes caused by COVID-19, Bennett claims that Campus ministries is no longer providing formal support or coaches to life groups. However, just like several life group leaders, a couple life group coaches have voluntarily given their life groups their support.
Of the life group leaders, Tanguay, a senior music education major, has decided to use Zoom to arrange meetings with her women’s life group – The Captivating Life Group.
“When I heard that school was closing, I knew there was one thing that would definitely not be cancelled if I could help it!” Tanguay said. “We [members] have such a special bond, and I wanted everyone to have the option to keep enjoying the friendships they have worked so hard to create this year.”
Sarah Smith, a junior health science major, is one of the life group members. She believes that continuing the life group online has been beneficial.
“We're at home doing basically nothing, so we're probably on our phones a lot more than usual,” Smith said. “I get a lot of notifications from Twitter, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, etc. about the coronavirus. With every headline, it seems like the news is getting worse and worse...This creates a lot of fear and anxiety. When I'm in a life group, it allows me to step away from and forget about all the bad news for a while.”
Smith also explained that being a part of a life group allowed her to connect with not only her friends, but God as well. According to Smith, this spiritual connection uplifts and encourages her during these “crazy times”.
“It breaches the gap of loneliness I think a lot of us are feeling right now, and it gives everyone something fun to look forward to!” Tanguay said.
As beneficial as life groups are, that does not mean they continue online without difficulty. Some members, such as Smith, have problems connecting due to varying time zones or busy schedules.
Even so, Tanguay believes it has had a lasting impact on her members and herself.
“Whether it is something small, like transforming a wet mess into tasty cookies at the last minute or opening a young lady’s eyes to her true worth and beauty, God never ceases to amaze us,” Tanguay said. “My relationship with Jesus has been strengthened through this experience, and I encourage [life group leaders] to continue leading your life group, or to start leading one.”
According to Bennett, Campus Ministries is not aware of exactly how many life groups are deciding to continue online. But, she would like to encourage students to gather virtually for spiritual encouragement. If any student wants to start an online group they can contact her at annabennett@southern.edu. According to Bennett, students also have the opportunity to attend the Afterglow life group by visiting: https://zoom.us/j/6767653706 after vespers.
Tanguay also wishes to inspire everyone to seek Jesus in these desperate times.
“Feeling disconnected from friends and your support system is very real, but I encourage you to take a step closer to Jesus in t
Comments