March 24, 2020

Dear Friends,

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

"If at first you don't succeed ..." Our first effort at an electronic audio-worship service launched on Sunday morning at 10:00, complete with glitches! THANK YOU to those of you who participated or tried to participate, and thanks to those of you who sent helpful suggestions. The internet connection was not strong enough for the volume of access, and some of the operations from individual devices cancelled other connections.

We learned a lot, and so in the "try, try again" spirit we're working with both our internet provider, our sound technicians, and our tech maintenance company to improve. As you can imagine, these folks are in high demand right now. Our baseline offering will continue to be the already-available audio recording on the web site which can be found here:  https://www.immanuelwi.org/recordings

 

A bulletin will again be sent on Friday, complete with responses, hymns, and scripture readings.

 

The Session will meet on Thursday afternoon. Our original decision was to provide audio live-streaming/recording for two weeks, and much has changed. We are looking at a longer term adaptation of church life, with a focus on the essential ministries of worship and pastoral care. Today I'm looking at on-line Christian education resources for children and youth.

 

Please continue to "report in" as you are in contact with members who have special needs at this time. Continue to hold in prayer those who are providing essential health care and community support services.

 

As we work toward stabilizing a reliable delivery system for Sunday worship, the ministers are also looking to employ technology for continued community-building and spiritual care. For starters, here's a table grace:

 

Thank you for the nourishment of this meal,

and for the labor that has brought it to this table.

As we break bread, together and alone, join us in spirit

to all those in Your household.

Feed us with compassion for others and calm for ourselves,

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Watch for an email from the church on Friday with current information on accessing the worship service. Take care of yourselves and be kind to one another.

Faithfully,

Deborah Block