Important Updates regarding Worship and other Ministries (3/16/2020)

We seek to honor our Lord and love one another as together we follow Christ in this pandemic. This is a continually changing situation, so we encourage you to stay informed regarding safe practices.  We will continue to keep you informed of changes to our ministry and ways in which we can serve despite the changing situation

Pastor Mike posted a new update video today.  You can view it here.

What is Cancelled:

We are cancelling in person worship services for the next several weeks, at least up until Palm Sunday.  We will re-evaluate as that date approaches.  We are taking this step in order to do what we can to protect the vulnerable among us and to limit the spread of COVID-19.  We are also responding the CDCs call to cancel all gatherings of more than 50 people.

The Passover Seder on April 1 is cancelled.

We are cancelling these and other in person gatherings until further notice:

• Large Print Ministry
• Wednesday Morning Bible Class
• Thursday Afternoon Women’s Bible Study
• Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study
• Youth Events: Surge, Crew, Confirmation

 

What we are doing instead:

• Live Streaming Worship: We will begin live streaming Sunday worship this Sunday.  This is new for us and so we are still working on some of the details, including whether it will be one or both of the services.  Please watch for an update with the link.  (The livestream from the sanctuary may not be ready yet this Wednesday evening for the Lent service, but there will be a livestream of some kind.  There will be an announcement regarding this tomorrow.}
• Online Gatherings: Watch for announcements regarding online gatherings, including online versions of some of the events listed above.  For instance, this week the Leadership Team, Principal Call Committee and Board of Directors will all be meeting online.
• Abide Devotions: The Abide Daily devotion has returned starting today.  Pastor Mike will provide a devotion each day, going through the Book of Psalms, seeking comfort, guidance, wisdom and direction from God’s Word.
• Virtual Small Group: Pastor Mike will be starting a virtual small group using Zoom meeting. This small group will start meeting on Tuesday evenings, March 24 at 7:00 pm.  If you are interested, please let Pastor Mike know (pastormike@stjohnslutheran.net).  If you are interested in hosting a virtual small group, please let Pastor Mike know as well
• Care Team: We are forming a team to call and check in with the people in our St. John’s community. This work has already begun.  If you would like to be part of this team and assist with this work, please let Pastor Mike know.

 

What you can do:

• Be in the Word and prayer. Give attention to your devotional life.   We need to be connected with our Savior now more than ever as we seek His peace and power for the challenges we face.  Consider subscribing to the Abide Devotion.
• Pray: Continue to pray for those who are ill, those who are vulnerable, health care workers, government leaders, our community and our entire world.
• Participate in the livestream worship or watch the recorded sermon. We are not canceling worship because it is non-essential, but rather we are offering worship in a different way.  God still calls us to worship, and will be present to bless.
• Check on your neighbors: We are servants, seeking to love our neighbors as Christ has loved and served us.
• Join a virtual small group: As mentioned above, contact Pastor Mike
• Start a virtual small group: As mentioned above, contact Pastor Mike
• Join the care team: We are a community of care.  This is one of the ways in which we can serve together as the body of Christ.
• Stay Connected and informed. Subscribe to the e-vine.  If you are on Social Media, like our Facebook, Instagram page.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33