Dear Sisters and Brothers of COS,
With the recent declarations by our governor,
guidance from our Synod
and the nationwide work to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the Board of Elders and Church Council are taking further action to limit how and when we gather. Therefore ...
- In-person worship at COS is suspended beginning with the Lenten Vespers on Wednesday, March 18 and continuing through the Sunday services of March 29. The situation will be assessed after that and new decisions will be made.
- Livestreams of all services will continue. Here are the links to the services to be held this week:
If you are unfamiliar with viewing livestreams, consider test viewing a service today or tomorrow. If there are problems, you can contact us so we can arrange someone from church to help you resolve the issue prior to Sunday.
Last Sunday, after the decision to offer both in-person and online worship was announced, the 8:30 am service had 60 in person attendees and the 10:45 am service had 49 attendees. There were 30 views of livestreams and 70 more since, for a total of 100 livestream views.
We are working to improve the livestream experience. A HD camera has been ordered. The Thursday livestream won't be in worship service style, but more of a devotional chat with a pastor. The Sunday livestreams will remain in worship service style, but with split screen for lyrics and responses.
Other Impacts
- 6-8th grade Catechism Classes are cancelled. Regular class instruction was originally scheduled to in two weeks anyway. The teachers of each grade will communicate additional information to student households.
- Choir and Male Chorus rehearsals are suspended until further notice.
- Sunday School, High School Bible Study and Adult Bible Class are suspended through March 29. Look for an educational ministries email at a later date with links to lesson materials.
- Men's Breakfast Bible Study will be meeting via video conferencing on Monday, March 23. We hope this technology will provide a platform for trying adult Bible class via video conferencing on Sunday, March 29.
- The Jesus Cares Sunday guest preacher and presenter, Rev. Joel Gaertner, is being rescheduled to September 27.
- The Church Security and Emergency Preparedness presentation is being rescheduled to October 11.
- COS Preschool is following the governor's directive to suspend classes through April 5.
- The remaining three Lenten Suppers scheduled for 3/18, 3/25 and 4/1 are canceled.
Could you use a hand?
- If you are having technical difficulties with the livestream or other online services, let me know and we will happily make arrangements for someone to assist you.
- If you could use help with getting groceries or other errands, let me know and we will happily make arrangements for someone to assist you. Many of your fellow members have volunteered their services!
- If you would like Word & Sacrament brought to you, contact me. Pastor Hahm or myself will happily visit you in your home.
Your continued financial support is essential during this uncharted time.
Your generosity is remarkable, a true response to God's gifts in your life. It is how God has always provided for the ongoing and expanding ministry of your church. Now is a great time to take your Christian stewardship to the next level by automating your offerings, if you haven't done so already.
Please also know that the church council is beginning to wrestle with potential impacts to our building project. At this point there is too much uncertainty to make sound, responsible decisions. In the weeks to come we will be working with our builder and lender to gather as much information as we can.
These are uncharted waters, turbulent and troubling. Thankfully we trust in the Savior who both walks on turbulent waters and calms troubled souls. With this in mind I share a "Prayer of Good Courage" for you to hold close during these days:
O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to live with good courage, not knowing what is ahead, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
So, to be clear, do not come to COS for worship for the next couple weeks. Keep an eye on your inbox for addition COS COVID-19 Responses. But most importantly, remember that God is with you and God is with me, and so we are always the body of Christ, together. Thank you for your support and faithfulness.
In Christ,
Pastor Gauger
o. 616-866-1881
m. 616-581-3808
|
|
|
|
|
