May 30, 2020
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we move into a new chapter of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, our congregational leaders have made it one of our top priorities to discern the best practices for our members, staff, and church facility. Much has happened in the past days, weeks, and months around our congregational life. Just recently, on Friday May 24, Governor Walz announced an executive order for the re-opening of in-person worship for congregations, churches, and other places of worship, with specific guidelines. Although this announcement may appear to bring a certain amount of hope for opportunities where our congregation can come closer to worship in-person together as a community, it also causes us to re-evaluate the situation and timing.
Therefore, Crown of Glory affirms the following:
·
That the Holy Spirit of God is moving, acting, guiding, and leading each of us in this journey.
·
That we are a vital and active congregation and community, regardless of our ability to physically being able to meet in-person for ministries, worship, gatherings, or other church building-related meetings.
·
That our calling is to protect and preserve the health and livelihood of our neighbors, our members, and all who call Crown of Glory “home”.
·
That our congregational leaders and Church Council members have taken great care in listening to health care professionals, experts, and other community leaders on how we should respond to COVID-19.
·
That although returning to in-person worship setting is the final goal, we must take into consideration how such a gathering would affect the safety and well-being of our community at this time.
·
That we are part of the greater Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and we are a congregation of the Minneapolis Area Synod, led by our Synodical Bishop Ann Svennungsen.
·
That our congregation’s response to COVID-19 is first in alignment by the recommendations and leadership of our synod and our national church, the ELCA.
·
That given the uncertainty and unpredictable behavior of COVID-19,
our congregation will not be meeting for in-person worship or other gatherings at this time
.
·
That our church building, and facility will remain closed to church related events and activities until
at least
July 6, at which time our congregational leaders will re-evaluate in person worship and access to the church.
·
That our worship staff will continue to offer virtual live-stream worship on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings; and recorded worship can be viewed at any time.
·
That our staff will have the option to begin working in the church office while maintaining CDC guidelines for social distancing and our pastors will be available as needed for the pastoral care of our members. While the church office will remain closed to the public, staff will be available by phone and virtual contact.
·
That our congregational leaders and Church Council members will continue to be in constant discernment of how and when to safely offer in-person worship at Crown of Glory and we will continue to assess other options for connecting while we seek to provide in person worship.
In closing, we are eternally grateful for your continued faith, your support, and your spirit as we now press forward together during these times. May God’s Spirit preserve and protect you and your family as we faithfully respond to the calling of caring for our neighbor, caring for our community, and caring for all that God loves.
In Christ,
Senior Pastor Associate Pastor of Faith
Rev. Reggie Klindworth Rev. Laura Laughlin
