What It’s Really Like Out There

Kristin Pelletier

Kristin Pelletier

Central Writer & Editor


Jenna, a Physical Therapist at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, has attended Kensington’s Clinton Twp campus with her family for a few years. She believes her strong faith foundation is helping her in this challenging season of fear and ever-changing job responsibilities. “…I started on the ‘prone team.’ Basically, my team is responsible for turning patients onto their bellies to allow them to breathe easier in the hope of reducing the amount of time needed to be on the breathing machine.”

It takes courage just to walk into the room of a COVID-19 patient, Jenna admits, but she’s been focusing on the phrase from Kensington’s previous series: Hope is not canceledShe’s also been reading Rediscover the Saints by Matthew Kelly, which feels more relevant now than ever, “[This book] provided a wonderful example of how saints are people doing amazing things in God’s name. It gives me motivation to show up to work every day.” 

Jenna is grateful for this opportunity to share her experience, and she’s gathered stories from her sister and friends as well. “Thank you…[it has] been therapeutic for all of us to write about how our daily lives have changed.”  

What if during the most stressful season of your life, you had to avoid all contact with those you love most?

You’ve probably heard stories of medical staff staying away from their families because of the very real danger of spreading COVID-19 to them. Even if it’s becoming somewhat common, it’s a considerable sacrifice for each one of them.

Meredith, a school Speech and Language Pathologist, shares how she and her husband have chosen to live apart because of his residency program in Family Medicine at the University of Michigan. Meredith says that her husband is a hero – her hero – and that he goes to work each day with a brave face despite the deep-down fear.

“As the wife of a family physician resident with a one-year-old, we made the very difficult decision that my son and I should isolate from my husband during this time. My husband is working long hours at the hospital and is most likely getting exposed to COVID-19 regularly…We ultimately decided that it would be best if my son and I moved back home to my parents’ for the time being—with no end date and a lot of unanswered questions.”

Meredith believes that God has been very present to her family during this time. “Every night when I put my one-year-old to bed, I sing “I See the Moon” to him. It tells how God is always with us during difficult times and He always loves us. We know God is with us and God will protect us…”

“We did not sign up for this…We did not sign up to be army nurses. We signed up to help people with adequate supplies and protection. YET, we still show up…” says Kristjiana.

Kristjiana, a friend of Jenna’s, is a Registered Nurse in a COVID+ Medical Intensive Care Unit working the frontlines of this pandemic. She shares openly about the range of emotions that surface as she fights this battle of a different kind.

“Every day, it takes me at least five minutes to enter a patient’s room. I have to plan carefully to ensure I do everything I have to do for the patient. I feel guilty because I don’t want my patients to be lonely. I feel guilty because every time I enter, I risk exposing myself, my coworkers, everyone we interact with. I feel scared and paranoid every day. I get in my head about my mask not being on right and contracting the virus. I have nightmares about becoming sick. I wake up in a panic at night. My face and head hurt from the tight masks and face shield. My heart hurts because families can’t see their loved ones in such vulnerable moments. My heart hurts for myself because I can’t hug my coworkers…”

Kristjana explains that even new diseases are usually treated similarly – within a known framework of processes and tools. “[Usually] we know the enemy,” she says, but now they’re not so sure and “it’s scary not knowing.” Nurses receive several emails a day with updates on new processes, and PPE has been limited.

“We’re running out of everything (masks, gowns, gloves, medications, staff, ventilators, etc). We’re all learning to be very flexible and adapt to change. They put up plastic walls so we can take care of more patients.”

Kristjana’s first of many moments of helplessness came several weeks ago, when she couldn’t find a mask for her coworker. “I checked every stash I had, I couldn’t find one in her size. I ran to the next unit, checked their stash, still couldn’t find one. I called the charge nurse, still no masks. I was so scared, I wanted to angry cry. How could we not have enough supplies? I began to hyperventilate as I thought about her husband and children. It was one of the most helpless feelings I’ve had in my life.”

The challenges and perpetual fear are offset by something though: teamwork. Kristjana says that she is working alongside “an amazing group of people whom she can rely on when things get much much harder. ” She even refers to them as “my people,” and sees them pulling together toward victory.

How do you cancel appointments for a patient facing cancer? How do you prioritize a life-threatening disease versus a life-threatening virus?” asks Madison.

Madison, Jenna’s sister, is a Certified Child Life Specialist who runs the Families Facing Cancer Program within the Patient and Family Support Services (PFSS) Department at the University of Michigan’s Rogel Cancer Center. They provide services which support the psychosocial needs of cancer patients and their families.

“Healthcare professionals are helpers, fixers, and doers. They want…everyone to be safe and healthy,” Madison says, “but what if that is overtaken by something out of your control, a life-threatening, global virus with no cure?”

A few weeks ago, Madison was told to work remotely. She was heart-broken. Now she is supporting her patients and their families as best she can over the phone. “I offer suggestions on supporting their children, provide as many resources as I can, listen to them, validate their fears and concerns knowing I have many of the same, try to provide humility and support at a time where isolation closes in on already isolated population. The scare of this virus causes stress, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty to individuals and their families who are already experiencing that on a daily basis with a cancer diagnosis.”

Madison has three requests for us as a community:
  1. Please take the precautions and the executive order seriously.
  2. Please pray for one another and all frontline workers.
  3. Please intentionally support the children in your life. (See Tips below).


Communicate
. Talk to your children in a way they can understand. Use a calm voice, and keep conversations simple and age-appropriate.
Listen to your child and ask open-ended questions. “Tell me what you’re thinking.” “What do you already know?” Use this time to clear up misconceptions and provide honest, accurate information. Also, limit children’s access to media which can spread scary and false information.
Validate a child’s feelings and help them manage anxiety, not eliminate it. Example: “I know you’re scared, and that’s okay. I’m here and I’m going to help you through this.”
Brainstorm ways to manage the anxiety. Practice deep belly breathing, doing arts and crafts, listening to or making music, doing physical activity, and so on. Help children come up with a list of activities that are enjoyable to them. Play continues to be a child’s most important job.
Reassure children that you have a plan to keep them safe. This can be an opportunity to talk about the importance of washing hands, cleaning toys, encouraging them to keep things away from their face, telling an adult if they’re feeling sick, and so on.
Model appropriate coping and the behavior you want to see. Children often look to adults and observe how they handle situations. Try to recognize when you are feeling stressed or anxious and verbalize what you are going to do to help yourself.If you’re on the front lines during this global pandemic, we want to hear your story! Share in the comments below. Together, we will come out stronger.

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No, Really, What Do You Do For FUN? When my son was 4 years old, he delighted in people and greeted friends and strangers alike wherever we went. Although he had spoken very few words

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Congregational Vote - Latest News!

Dear Kensington,

Yesterday was the Special Meeting vote to affirm our Senior Pastor candidate, which took place at all campuses during all services. If you were there or joined us online, thank you for taking part to vote on our candidate, Brian Mowrey, as our new Senior Pastor. Because of such a strong, positive turnout, members and the congregation have confirmed Brian as our new Senior Pastor with nearly 99% voting yes. Brian has said yes, and the Mowreys are coming to be part of the Kensington family! 

We all know this has been a long journey, requiring much patience and trust. Your continued commitment to Kensington and your willingness to lean into this process with us is what helped get us here today. With such a strong positive vote for Brian’s leadership, there is no doubt that we are ready to be led into what God has for us in the years ahead.

The next few months will be a time of transition and we ask that you continue to pray for Brian, Becca and the girls as their adventure is just beginning with us; also pray as they are concluding a chapter of their life with Walnut Hill. While this transition over the next few months will mean that Brian is back and forth between Kensington and Connecticut, Brian will be actively engaged with all that is happening at Kensington and will be relocated and in place with us by the end of summer.

Brian wanted to share with all of you a quick word of thanks for your trust in his leadership of Kensington. Watch here

Thank you, God, for your provision. It’s just beginning. Immeasurably More!!

Grace and Peace,

Craig A. Mayes
Lead Pastor & Elder
Kensington Church

Retreats

Podcasts

Websites

Subscriptions

Marriage 365

Married People

Growing In Marriage

Prepare Enrich

Subscriptions

Marriage 365

Married People

Growing In Marriage

Prepare Enrich

Books We Love

Preparing For Marriage

Marriage Prep

Before the Last Resort

Marriage Restoration

Vertical Marriage

Marriage Growth

Secrets of Sex and Marriage

Intimacy

Men Only/For Women Only

Marriage Growth

Smart Step Family

Blended families

The Meaning of Marriage

Marriage Prep

The Power of a Praying Wife

Marriage Growth

The Power of a Praying Husband

Marriage Growth

The 5 Love Languages

Dating

Love and Respect

Marriage Growth

Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away

Marriage Restoration

101 Questions To Ask Before You Get Engaged

Dating

Newlywed Couple's Devotional

Newlywed

Children's Programming During Services

Troy

5pm | 12/23
Birth–PreK programming

7pm | 12/23
Birth–PreK programming

11am | 12/24

Birth–PreK programming

1pm | 12/24
Birth–PreK programming

3pm | 12/24

Birth–PreK programming

5pm | 12/24
Birth–PreK programming

Orion

5pm | 12/23
Birth–PreK programming

7pm | 12/23
No children’s programming

11am | 12/24
Birth–PreK programming

1pm | 12/24
Birth–PreK and Elementary programming

3pm | 12/24
Birth–PreK and Elementary programming

5pm | 12/24
Birth–PreK programming

Clinton Twp

5pm | 12/23
Birth-PreK and Elementary programming

7pm | 12/23
Birth–PreK programming

11am | 12/24
Birth-PreK and Elementary programming

1pm| 12/24
Birth–PreK programming

3pm| 12/24
Birth–PreK programming

Birmingham

11am | 12/24
Birth-PreK programming


1pm | 12/24
Birth-PreK programming

Traverse City

2pm | 12/24
No children’s programming

4pm | 12/24
Birth–PreK programming

Clarkston

10am | 12/24
Birth-PreK and Elementary programming

12pm | 12/24

Birth-PreK programming

Marriage and Blended Family

The Marriage Course offers essential tools and practical ideas to help couples invest in their relationship and build a strong marriage. Strengthen your communication and gain a deeper understanding of your partner. The Marriage Course is based on Christian principles but designed for all couples with or without a church background.
REGISTER

The Blended Family Workshop addresses the confusing roles and boundaries involved in blending families and identifies why parents so often struggle in blending their efforts. Find a community of people who are contemplating blending a family or are “in the trenches” building and growing their blended family!
REGISTER


Please email 
marriage@kensingtonchurch.org with any questions.

Learning Labs

Discover rhythms and practices that can help us abide in the love, grace, and hope of God, where our lives can be transformed. Explore some of these practices together with others who are pursuing the same.

Orion

Birmingham Campus

We are offering a time for our congregation to gather after the 10am service for prayer in the Groves Auditorium, 20500 W 13 Mile Rd, Beverly Hills, MI 48025.

On Sunday evening, Dec 5, parents of high school and middle school students are invited to the second half of our Edge gathering at Genesis Church, 309 N Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067, at 6:15pm. We will have a breakout to equip parents in caring for themselves and processing pain with their children in times of tragedy.

Parents & Student Resources

Parents – self care is critical. It’s important to do your own processing with another adult so that you can be more present as your child processes. Here are tools that you can use to get you started.

Podcast

Helpful Blogs

Other Materials

Counselors Are Needed After Tragedy

“The aftermath of the Oxford shooting tragedy will undoubtedly result in traumatic symptoms and experiences across our communities for quite some time. Healing the brain through evidence-based therapies is absolutely possible with clinical guidance. There is a valuable village of Trauma Therapists with collective resources standing by for Oxford, for both direct and secondary survivors to engage in therapy. Until then, we honorably hold a sacred space, as students, families, staff and school partners continue to mourn.” -Laura Azoni, LMSW, Founder of Sanctuary Services

Orion Campus

We believe that unity at this time is more important than ever. Several churches in the area are partnering together to offer space for students to begin the process of healing.

We will have several grief and trauma specialists on site this Sunday evening at our Orion Campus (4640 S Lapeer Rd Lake Orion, MI 48359) from 5-6:30pm and will have a night of prayer, worship and an opportunity for students to process with each other.

Tate Myre Funeral:
Monday, 12.6 Visitation 1 to 8pm
Tuesday, 12.7 Visitation 10-12pm and funeral at Noon

Clinton Township Campus

We will be offering a time for our congregation to gather after each service for a time of corporate prayer in the Greatroom. Prayer will be offered at 10:15 am and 12:15 pm. (25000 Hall Rd, Charter Twp of Clinton, MI 48036)

This Sunday at 3:30 pm as a community we want to gather, pray and mourn together. We are all looking for answers and wondering why tragedy happens but we can find hope and peace in Jesus. 

Troy Campus

Join us Sunday night, December 5th for a Community Prayer Vigil at Kensington Church at 6:00 pm. Invite friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers to come together for a time of hope and prayer. 

Following the Vigil, at 7:00 pm, there will be breakouts for students and for parents to process and be equipped in caring for themselves and those around in times of tragedy.

Marriage Classes

What grows marriages? Focusing on the two of you and being in community!
The Marriage Course includes seven sessions, designed to help couples invest in their relationship and build a strong marriage. Some couples do the course to intentionally invest in their relationship, others are looking to address more specific challenges. Either way, the course offers essential tools and practical ideas to help you build a relationship that lasts a lifetime. The Marriage Course is based on Christian principles but designed for all couples with or without a church background.

Please email marriage@kensingtonchurch.org with any questions.

Financial Peace University (FPU)

Financial Peace University (FPU) is a catalyst to help people live in financial freedom and enable them to have a posture of openhandedness. We have witnessed numerous Kensington families experience life change as a result of applying Biblical truths to their personal finances. The real blessing is seeing people create lives of margin that allow them to hear and respond to the Lord’s calling on their lives.

Please email discipleship@kensingtonchurch.org with any questions.

Bible Basics

Whether you are brand new to the Bible or have been reading it for decades, Bible Basics is a course that will help you understand the overall flow of the Bible. Over the course of several weeks, learn how the Bible came from the original writers to the English versions we have today. We’ll look at the big-picture story of the Bible and how all the individual books add to the whole. We’ll even learn a little about the history of the Jewish nation. But most of all, we’ll grow in our awe of the amazing author of this amazing book!

Please email discipleship@kensingtonchurch.org with any questions.

Orion

Alpha

What is my purpose? What value does the Bible have in my life? How do I pray? How can I grow in confidence to share my faith? These are the big questions that are at the heart of what it means to have a relationship with God. Alpha is a space to explore life’s big questions, to say what you think and to hear other people’s points of view. Over ten-weeks you will explore and discover while listening to weekly topics, participating in table discussion, and developing community. Alpha courses meeting in-person gather around a meal.

You don’t have to come for the whole series—just check it out for the first session and see what you think. No pressure.

Please email discipleship@kensingtonchurch.org with any questions.

Birmingham

Orion

Troy

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For additional questions, please contact giving@kensingtonchurch.org or call 248.786.0637

GROUP LEADER DEVELOPMENT