COMMUNION SERVICES AT HOPE
Earlier today we held several of our ten-person Communion services here at Hope. It was a joy for Pastor Lew and me to welcome congregation members to the Lord’s table, and to gather in the sanctuary with our sisters and brothers in Christ to confess our sins and receive the Sacrament. We look forward to resuming in-person weekend worship services as soon as possible. In the meantime, we invite you to participate in Hope’s ten-person Communion services.
Advance sign-up is required for all individuals and family members attending (including those who will not be receiving Communion). Available time slots will be updated on a weekly basis. Guests and visitors are asked to call the church office (919-554-8109) to speak with one of the pastors before communing.
Time slots are still available for this week, Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening. We are now also taking sign-ups for next week, Monday/Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evening. To sign up, click on the link below.
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For those who sign up for a Communion Service, here’s what to expect.
- Please enter through the main narthex doors, off the circle drive.
- Kindly use the hand sanitizer stations as you enter.
- We ask you to wait in the designated area of the narthex, with six feet between individuals or families, as marked, until the staff person invites you into the sanctuary.
- We encourage all who are attending (except those under two years old) to wear a face mask, to help reduce the risk of an asymptomatic person unknowingly spreading the virus.
- The group will be invited to stand in front of the altar rail, with six feet between individuals or families, as marked, for a brief service of Scripture, prayer, the confession of sins, and the Sacrament.
- All will be asked to remain standing, as Communion is served and children receive a blessing.
- Only individual cups will be used, and not the common cup (chalice).
- Those preparing and serving the Communion elements will be wearing masks and gloves, as a precaution.
- As the service concludes with a blessing, the group will leave the sanctuary to allow time to prepare for the next group to enter.
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FAMILY FAITH RESOURCES
Whether you’re single or part of a big family, it’s important to keep your faith vital and strong. God works unfailingly through his Word, speaking to our hearts and addressing our real-life needs. During these many weeks of having our regular church activities temporarily suspended, our ministry staff has been working hard to provide a variety of spiritual resources for children, youth, and adults. You are invited to check out the available resources on our website
(
www.hopelutheranwf.org/worship-resources
)
, and give them a try. Let God give your faith a boost, by the power of his Word!
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RETURN TO WEEKEND WORSHIP SERVICES
We remain hopeful that, later this month, our state will shift to Phase 3 of the re-opening strategy, and that mass gathering limits will be expanded. We’re monitoring developments related to the spread of COVID-19 in our state and region, and are closely reviewing all updated guidance from health officials on the local, state, and federal levels. We are trying our best to be ready for all eventualities, and will keep you posted as to when we can expect to return to weekend worship services at Hope. Please keep praying for God to safeguard our congregation and our community.
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FAITHFUL STEWARDSHIP
Through all of these weeks of closure, our church finances are certainly being challenged. With church services temporarily suspended, along with our preschool and family programs, our normal sources of income are lessened. We’re limiting expenses as much as possible, but many major expense areas remain constant (mortgage, utilities, administrative and building costs, etc.). Some of our church members are in very difficult financial circumstances themselves, and we appreciate that you may have to reduce your normal level of church offerings. For those who able to continue to support the Lord’s ministry work at Hope, we appreciate you mailing in your offering envelopes or making online contributions (
www.hopelutheranwf.org/donate
). Whatever your situation, and whatever you’re able to give, may the good Lord help you to be a faithful steward of your time, talents, and treasures this week.
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God be with you until we meet again!
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