In the wake of the governor’s new Back-on-Track plan for Indiana, Pastor and the Elders met on Saturday to discuss plans for resuming on-site worship here at Faith Lutheran.
Here is the timeline for that …
May 10th (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
We will host another round of Christians in Cars Receiving Communion, our drive-thru communion service. If you’re healthy and feel comfortable doing so, you’re welcome to join as we’ve done this past month for a brief message and liturgy with the sacrament of Holy Communion.
May 16 (5:00 p.m.) and May 17th (9:00 a.m.)
We will resume on-site worship at Faith with a weekend of NON-communion services for those who are healthy. Those 65+ and older are encouraged to remain at home this weekend in accordance with the governor’s orders.
May 23 (5:00 p.m.) and May 24th (9:00 a.m.) … and onward
All members of Faith are invited to join us for on-site worship with Holy Communion with these regular service times going forward for the foreseeable future as they feel comfortable. We will continue to practice social distancing in our worship through July 4th and reassess at that time.
Additional Notes
- If you are not well, please continue to stay home. Thus far, Jasper County has remained minimally impacted by the Covid-19 virus. However, that could predict a greater presence here as the state begins to resume operation. Cautious efforts that we make now could be the difference between a slow, secure return to ‘normalcy’ and a hasty return to isolation.
- Per CDC social distancing guidelines, members who decide to attend worship during this time will be encouraged to continue wearing masks or face coverings out of an abundance of concern for those among us with higher health risks. We will not fear a disease; but we will work to deny ourselves and our comfort to show love and care for our neighbor (1 Peter 3:8).
- There will be no Adult Bible Classes or Sunday School for the time being. This includes no coffee/fellowship time. – We will continue to offer opportunities for connection with Faith Lutheran online via our website (faithdemotte.org) and Facebook page whenever possible for the continued comfort of the Gospel for all our members, especially those who are not well or choose to exercise additional caution during this time.
- As with everything these days, these plans are based on the current plans of others, all of them subject to change.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the church and let us know. I think I speak for us all when I draw our attention to the words of St. Paul to the church in Rome …
“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” (Romans 1:11–12)
We are eager to share in each other’s presence, to build each other up in faith once again. But we are working to do so cautiously, with patience and confidence. Thank you for your continued prayers for our leadership as we seek the path forward in sharing the Gospel with all those around us.
Peace,
Pastor Brett Satkowiak