Dear Sisters and Brothers of COS,
The 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. worship services for this Sunday, March 15 are ON. You may choose to attend in person, as attendances are not expected to exceed 250; or you are able to worship remotely via the online of either service
8:30 am link |
10:45 am link.
Sunday School, High School Bible Study and Adult Bible Class are CANCELED.
Nursery and Kids Church will NOT be offered tomorrow.
Those choosing to worship in person tomorrow will notice the following precautions:
- Offering plates will not be passed but placed on stands at the entrance to the sanctuary;
- Friendship registers will not be passed;
- The pastors will not shake hands with worshipers as they exit the sanctuary;
- The trays of donuts will be removed from the fellowship time;
- Hand sanitizer will be available at the Welcome Center;
- Handles, door knobs, restroom hardware, hard surfaces will be given extra disinfecting attention in preparation for Sunday.
Let me
simply remind you points from an earlier email:
- If you feel sick, please stay home.
- If you are immunocompromised, you too should consider staying home and worshiping online (see above).
- If you prefer to avoid congregating, watch the livestream or access the archived services on our YouTube channel of prior weeks.
- If you still want to come to church but want to keep your social distance, the 6:30 pm Thursday Worship services are also still on. They are typically shorter, simpler and more lightly attended than our Sunday services.
- If you would like Word & Sacrament brought to you, contact me. Pastor Hahm or myself will happily visit you in your home.
Looking ahead to other COS ministries ...
- COS Preschool is following the governor's directive to suspend classes through April 5;
- The remaining three Lenten Vespers at 6:30 pm on Wednesdays are ON;
- The remaining three Lenten Suppers scheduled to be served on Wednesday prior to Vespers are CANCELED;
- 6-8th grade Catechism classes scheduled for 5:30-6:10 pm on Wednesdays, March 18 and 25 are ON. Of course, we defer to the discretion of parents as to whether they feel comfortable having their students attend.
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. Many of your fellow members have volunteered their services.
- 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!
The
leadership of your church is carefully monitoring the latest COVID-19 guidance from state and national officials. As things change, we will make necessary adjustments and communicate them with you.
The impact of this virus is more far reaching than any of us imagined just a few weeks ago. Nevertheless, it cannot reach into our hearts and take away the peace and confidence we have in God's promises ... unless we let it in by depriving our faith of the Gospel it needs. Be assured your church will not stop proclaiming the Gospel and administering the Sacraments, even if you have to access it via the internet or have it brought to where you are.
The Scriptures for tomorrow's worship are Isaiah 42:14-21, Psalm 143, Ephesians 5:12-18 and John 9:1-7, 13-17, 34-39. The sermon is on Psalm 143, "A Prayer to Take Your Worries Away." The hymns are
Just as I Am, Christ is the World's Light, and
Amazing Grace. I look forward to worshiping with you in person or online.
In Christ,
Pastor Gauger
o. 616-866-1881
m. 616-581-3808
