There is much information some helpful and some not so helpful that is going around regarding COVID-19. The leadership of First Lutheran wants you to know that we are keeping up on information and will keep you informed through e-mails, web-page and Facebook regarding any information. If you have questions do not hesitate to contact Pastor Joyce, Paul Henriksen or Nancy Johnson.
Here are a few of the steps we are taking at First Lutheran:
1. Hand sanitizer has been placed in different locations. Wash your hands.
2. When anything with food is part of event, food will only be handled by kitchen workers with gloves.
3. Communion will be by individual cups and communion server will hand the bread and wine to you. Communion servers WILL sanitize hands before communion
4. Offering plates will not be passed. We will receive offering either at the door or when you come to receive Holy Communion.
5. Sharing of the peace no handshaking. Just a greeting. Wave, cross arms across your chest. Or simply say peace. Pastor Joyce will not be shaking hands following worship.
6. Pastor Joyce will be making visits only if the people are open to that. Boundaries will be respected. Phone calls and text messaging will be used in pastoral care.
7. Consider your spacing in the pews during worship. Spread out and come on to the front of the sanctuary.
8. No water will be in baptismal font unless a baptism.
9. It is ok to stay home.
10. Pastor Joyce will be checking in with people to see how there are doing.
11. Watch worship services on cable TV or listen on the radio
If you have any concerns please contact the COVID-19 hotline: (651)201-3920
Prayer during this time: Heavenly Father, we pray for you to intervene to stop the spread of the coronavirus. We pray the virus would recede and that the numbers of those infected would decline rapidly. We trust you to intervene today with your loving care. We pray for those who are sick, that they will have access to the care and treatment they need. We pray for those in isolation who are cut off from their normal routines and support systems, that they would seek their strength from you, Lord. We pray encouragement over the thousands in quarantine, waiting to find out if they have the virus or not. We pray for the health workers who are caring for those with COVID-19. We pray for their protection from the virus, for stamina during long or intense work hours. Pray for grieving families who have lost loved ones to the coronavirus. Even as their hearts are breaking, we pray they would know your nearness and comfort. Amen.
