The
Congregation Council met on Thursday, November 19, to review and reassess our response to the Covid-19 pandemic and to make plans for the coming weeks.
Our goal continues to be two-fold: To be faithful to the mission given by our Lord to Share God's Love with neighbor and; to do so without endangering the health and safety of the congregation or community. Our values, beliefs, and mission of Sharing God's Love guide us to believe that the best way to share God's love is by not sharing the virus, especially with the more vulnerable people in the parish.
WORSHIP
On-site worship in the building is cancelled through January 30, 2021. We will continue to provide video opportunities to worship each week. Watch your email and Facebook for information. Our YouTube channel and Facebook page will be the places to find what is posted. Our website has both the videos and some helps for worship at home.We are continuing to refine our ability to produce online worship and programming because we know that the pandemic has made this a permanent part of ministry and mission.
We know this decision creates questions about how we will observe upcoming holidays.
Thanksgiving Eve worship will be offered online. It will be available at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 25th.
Wednesdays in Advent - Prayer services will be offered on Wednesday evenings. Look for more information in the days ahead.
Lessons & Carols will be celebrated this year as a stand-alone, online presentation of music that will feature small groups in the congregation. It will be available Sunday, December 13th.
Christmas Eve Worship will be online on December 24th for use throughout the day. Our voices will be raised and good news proclaimed with all the attention we usually offer in a new and different way.
When you worship with us, please make sure to fill out a virtual Welcome Card which can be found on the website, with the worship email or on the mobile app.
OUTREACH AND SERVICE - GOD'S WORK. OUR HANDS.
Each year, in the months of November and December, our congregation has undertaken a host of projects to help our neighbors in need throughout the community. This year will be no different, though, due to the pandemic we will have to adjust our efforts to be safe. We will still share fruit baskets, provide gifts for homeless, hungry, and members of the community who need some extra grace. We will still work with Luther Park, Hope Ministries, Mosaic and many others. Look for more information in the weeks ahead so you can once again be part of the efforts to touch the lives of 1,200-1,500 people with God's love!
We continue to collect food for the Food Pantry (which is open from Noon - 4 PM each Tuesday). We will open the north doors and make baskets available each Monday from 9-11 AM for food donations. You can also stock the Helping Hands boxes - at the east and west ends of the south parking lot. You can make a contribution to the food pantry to purchase what we need delivered.
SMALL GROUPS
Because of the alarming growth in cases, deaths, and the strain on hospitals in the state, we will not be opening the building for gatherings of small groups. We encourage the use of Zoom and outside gatherings when possible. Please maintain physical distance and wear masks at all time when meeting.
CONTACTING US
The office will continue to be closed through January 30, 2021. You can still reach staff by email. Go to the staff page of the website for email and phone extensions. You can call the church at 515-964-4348 and it will be answered by the automated voicemail. Follow prompts to leave a voice mail for the person with whom you wish to speak. We can all access voicemail from our home and mobile phones.
In an emergency, members can contact the pastor on-call by dialing 515-336-0811
We continue to depend on the generosity of our members to fund the ministry. You can give by mail or on-line at any time. We give thanks to all who have continued to give and support our mission!
Grace and peace to you in the name of the blessed Holy Trinity!
