Connection during a pandemic

Staying connected during a pandemic and a sheltering in place order is very difficult. As we continue to shelter in place, caring for, and protecting ourselves and our neighbors, a while longer life like this can be disheartening, depressing, and difficult. We pray that the ways that Christ Our Savior has worked to resource you and to support you have been beneficial and a blessing to you.

If you are struggling and would like to talk to someone or pray with someone please contact a staff member or the church office by email or phone on Mon-Thur. from 9am-1pm. We want to support you, lift you up in prayer, and point you to the promises of Jesus for you. Our parish nurse, Jan Bernick, has some ideas and thoughts on helping you to be Emotionally Settled.

Some of the resources that you are taking advantage of are; Online Worship Services, At Home Lessons, Family of Faith Devotionals, Online Bible Studies, 'Virtual Narthex', and Staff Chats. We encourage you to continue to take advantage of these opportunities to connect to your church family and try one that you have not taken advantage of yet.

Some of our small group leaders have found ways to meet online as well. Staff members, Elders, Council members, and other lay leaders have worked to call our members to check in on them. We have worked to identify members who are not able to get online and have sent them transcripts of the sermons, copies of the order of worship, and in some cases a DVD of the services. If you know of someone who would benefit from this we encourage you to contact us and let us know. In our blog Support for Everyone we suggested some other non-online ways to stay connected.

We understand that none of these take the place of the connection of in person relationships. Staying connected to Jesus can also be difficult as we are separated. We were created to be in community and to support each other. Following Jesus in a community strengthens our faith and points us to the promises Jesus has for us. We will continue to explore the best ways that we can support and connect you to these promises and hope even during this pandemic.

We are excited about a new opportunity to connect to your faith family and to your Jesus in our Family of Faith Communion Services.

Your pastors are excited about an opportunity for those desiring the Lord’s Supper to receive it in a safe manner. Family of Faith Communion Services will be offered at church over 3 hours, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, starting on the 18th of May. One day from 11am-2pm and the other day in the week from 4pm-7pm.

By the time of the 18th, we will have been on a “sacramental fast” for over two months. Hopefully, all of us have grown in our relationship with Jesus as we have been exposed to His life-giving Word.

We know that there will be some who will continue the fast and there will be some who will be ready to receive the body and blood of Christ. This is intended to be a blessing, not a burden. No one is going to be compelled to participate, in fact we would encourage those who are not healthy to stay home.

The elements of the Lord's Supper will be in a pre-packaged unit that will be unique to each person. They will be set out for the individuals to take themselves. People will leave immediately after the 15-20 minute service and another group will be welcomed in. Six family groups will be allowed to schedule per ½ hour time slot. Families will have the opportunity to sign up for up to two time slots in the three weeks.

Sign up is available on our website on the Homepage, and the Covid-19 page, via our e-update, or by contacting the church office or a staff member.