A Pastoral Letter

Dear Saints of God at Friedheim –

As we prepare for Holy Week news concerning the Covid-19 Pandemic continues to alter our daily activities.  

Although this news may create a host of questions, uncertainty, and even trepidation we find our comfort and confidence in the promises of our Lord: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10

Governor Eric Holcomb has announced that all K-12 schools in the State of Indiana shall not conduct in-person learning for the remainder of the school year. This means that Wyneken will likely continue to utilize remote home-based learning for the rest of the 2019-2020 academic session.

Our faculty, staff, and school board have many details to work through as we progress forward.  We ask for your patience and understanding as we seek to provide information and answers to the many questions which exist.  Our school administration will provide an update to all of our school families the next week after meeting with our school board and faculty.

We will conduct services virtually this coming Palm Sunday. Your may tune in to radio Station WZBD 92.7 FM to hear our service broadcast on air. We hope to live-stream the service on our parish Facebook_TM page at the same time. At that service we will follow the tradition of renewing our confirmation vows.

Throughout Holy Week devotions and reflections will be posted on our parish Facebook_TM page. I hope to send a daily devotional via e-mail to you each day.  As we look forward to Easter April 12, the service will be broadcast on the radio and live-streamed during our 9:00 am service.

Pray for our Church leadership. Ask the Lord or the Church for His guidance.

Parish responsibilities and accountability are important. Remember our financial obligations. You may drop off your contributions at church, the parish hall office or send them through the mail. Remember your sisters and brothers who are affected financially either by layoff or a reduction in hours. I also ask you to pray for our healthcare workers and first responders - they are on the front line of defense. Pray for our civic leaders as they make decisions which affect us all.

As we prepare for the beginning of Holy Week I have a challenge for you. What if everyone on Sunday April 5 in the morning, puts a branch on the door of their house or on the window, to celebrate Palm Sunday? We have palms available at church setting out. Feel free to take as many as you need.

It could be any green branch you can get. Be creative. A green Christmas wreath might do. This would help, despite the social distancing, to be connected as we enter into the Holiest of Weeks.

Want to join? Send us photos for us to share via Facebook_TM or e-mail.

We may be physically isolated, but not separated. We are united as the body of Christ.

Together - we are the Church.