Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
During these days as we navigate the effects of the coronavirus disease, COVID-19 we continue to be the body of Christ, a mindful body, especially toward those who are more vulnerable.
Worship services will take place this Sunday morning at 9:30 and 11:00 am., but with modifications for everyone’s safety.
Please be aware of the following:
If you are ill, think you’re becoming ill, and until you are fully recovered with no symptoms, we ask that you do not attend worship or any other church gathering. If you are in a high risk group, those with compromised immunity or other underlying health issues you may choose to remain home for a time. We completely respect and support those decisions.
We ask that you bring your own hand sanitizers or wipes from home, or use the hand sanitizer provided when touching surfaces, using door handles, etc. Please use good hand washing techniques with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
We ask people not to touch each other while entering or exiting the church or passing the Peace. Instead simply speak a greeting of peace, share a wave or a bow.
During the next several weeks bread alone will be distributed during Holy Communion. Be assured that the full presence of Christ is still imparted through the meal using one element.
We are currently planning to continue Lenten services following all recommended guidelines. We will update if this changes.
Refreshments will not be served for the time being on Sunday mornings. (The reception to celebrate Pastor Christine Buma’s ordination anniversary has been postponed.)
Wednesday, Lenten Soup Suppers have been canceled for the duration of Lent.
Sunday School will not be meeting for the next several weeks. Nursery care will also be suspended as well.
For those unable to attend Sunday worship you may listen to the weekly sermons through the church web page. Www.sanmarcoslutheran.org. (Click on the worship tab on the top of the homepage, a drop down menu appears, click “sermons.”
Lastly, ministry continues to happen through SMLC through all seasons and situations. We ask that you mail your offering to the church, use payment options through your banking app or consider on-line giving, which is available through our website https://sanmarcoslutheran.org/home-smlc/donate/
We thank you for the care you take to help us be a loving, kind, welcoming and safe community. We will continue to update you as information becomes available to us. Please contact us if there is any specific way we can provide pastoral care to you during these days.
This prayer from our book of worship seems most appropriate:
“O God, where hearts are fearful and constricted, grant courage and hope. Where anxiety is infectious and widening, grant peace and reassurance. Where impossibilities close every door and window, grant imagination and resistance. Where distrust twists our thinking, grant healing and illumination. Where spirits are daunted and weakened, grant soaring wings and strengthened dreams. All these things we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Peace in Christ,
Pastors David Jorstad and Karla Halvorson