May 28, 2020

 

Dear Our Savior's Members and Friends,

 

We are writing to share an update regarding our continuing navigation of the changing landscape in light of COVID-19.

 

As Jesus celebrated Holy Communion in the upper room with his disciples, he gave clear directions: "This is my command: Love each other." (John 15:17) Out of deep love, on March 15th, we discerned that it was best to offer ministries online and at safe social distances to protect each other, including the most vulnerable among us.

 

While CDC recommendations have loosened some restrictions for public gatherings, Minnesota continues to experience an increase in cases of COVID-19. With resources and guidance from the ELCA and our Bishop Patricia Lull, the OSLC Board and Pastor Karna are working proactively to discern the appropriate strategic actions needed to safely return to public worship. Our first priority will continue to be the health and safety of all of our members and guests.

 

To that end, we have created a "Resurrection Team" to offer guidance in determining the necessary steps to reconvene. A plan to re-gather will be developed in stages and phases. Accordingly, returning to public worship and in-person gatherings will be more like slowly turning a dial rather than quickly flipping a light switch. Our Resurrection Team includes two branches: half of the Team will focus on science and safety, while the other half will focus on congregational care during this time of pandemic.

 

Pastor Karna will oversee both branches of the Resurrection Team, which includes:

 

Science/Safety Branch:               Congregational Care Branch:

A catchy Bible camp song sings, "We are the church; the Body of our Lord, we are all God's children and we have been restored. The church is not a building where people come to pray; it's not made out of sticks and stones and it's not made out of clay."

 

Martin Luther also explained in the 2nd article of the Apostle's Creed that "the church is not a building. The church is the people of God called, gathered, enlightened and sanctified by the Holy Spirit."

 

These are helpful reminders that while our building is closed, our church is fully alive and open! As children of God, we are fully living into our mission as a "caring community called by Christ to serve and live in faith." Here is a snapshot of how God is still at work through OSLC that utilizes the "I love you" sign language symbol: Up, In, and Out:

 

Up: (Worship and Prayer) Our average online weekly worship attendance has tripled! We often have over 1,000 people (near and far) attending worship with OSLC. We will also now be offering online Holy Communion to enrich this time together.

 

In: (Small Groups, Faith Formation) Multiple ministry opportunities happen online each week, including: committees, youth group, children's socially distanced play time, staff meetings, walk and talk, Bible studies, coffee hour, and so much more!

 

Out: (Mission and Outreach) Because of your generosity, lives are being touched! We are happy to report that we've disbursed funds to the Guatemala Gala and Valley Outreach - offering love and care to those in great need. We remain committed to tithing 10% of our offerings to the world around us, offering Christ's love to the hungry, hurting and the homeless.

 

Although we never envisioned a global pandemic in 2020, God is still very much alive and active in our congregation and in our world. As the Resurrection Team, the Board, and Pastor Karna collaboratively work and discern together, we will communicate our phased/staged plans. Your prayers and patience are appreciated in this process. We will do all we can to minister meaningfully to each of you during this season. Stay healthy, and may you trust and know that Christ is with us always.

 

Faithfully,

 

Pastor Karna Moskalik

Greg Otsuka, Board President