July

For the past two months Governor Holcomb’s plan to reopen the state has been implemented under five phases. The final stage should, by Independence Day reach its completion. 

Places of worship have been directed to implement strategies for services held in person with the goal of continuing to slow and contain the spread of COVID-19, while uplifting each other during this difficult time. 

When providing services in person, places of worship are encouraged to follow the minimum health and sanitation protocols while practicing social distancing. To comply with these directives we have offered two services at 9 and 11 am. We continue to broadcast our 9 o’clock service on the radio as well as live stream our service via social media. We have requested members register to attend our services so that in the event that someone tests positive for Covid-19 we can conduct reasonable and responsible contact tracing.

Our driving principle throughout this unprecedented time continues. “We are given to serve both faithfully and responsibly in loving service and care for souls and the health and safety of our members and our neighbors in the world.”

As recently as this past week some of our nursing facilities have allowed clergy to visit members by appointment with precautions in place. Hospital visits are still restricted.

While the medical community searches for a safe and effective vaccine practicing hand and respiratory hygiene is important at all times and is the best way to protect others and yourself. Since some infected persons may not yet be exhibiting symptoms or their symptoms may be mild, maintaining a physical distance with everyone is a good idea. It is also recommended that face masks be worn in public. 

Keep up to date on the latest information from trusted sources. Local health authorities are best placed to advise on what people in our area should be doing to protect themselves.

We must take into account each person’s family situation differs, especially as it concerns his or her health and safety. Not all may, at this time, be joining us. All are free in Christ to keep to themselves and remain at home without guilt or judgment. If you are in need of pastoral care by all means contact me at your earliest connivance.    

Our school personal has been meeting to determine a reasonable re-entry plan to open our school for the 2020-2021 school year. As with opening our churches we must follow recommendations, best practices, procedures and considerations issued by the county and state health departments, the department of education and other concerned   entities. As the advice from experts in the field changes I would ask for your patience and understanding. Again, we are given to serve both faithfully and responsibly in loving service and care for souls and the health and safety of our members and our neighbors in the world.

This global pandemic which has disrupted every aspect of life has created stress worry and anxiety for many. So much of our lives have been interrupted. Some have been overwhelmed. Perhaps these unprecedented circumstances have at times paralyzed you.   

In unsettling and uncertain times we again look to the Savior. What Jesus offers is peace. It’s more than a feeling. It’s a state of being. A commodity many are willing to pay any price to obtain. 

Where do we find this peace? Christ our Savior has promised to give us His abiding peace. So look to Jesus. And to the places where He can be found. Jesus said, “Peace I give you, My peace I leave you. Not as the world gives it do I give to you.” -  John 14:27  

No wonder we pray in the collect for peace, “Give us that peace which the world simply cannot give.” Jesus says, “Come to Me.” He is gentle and lowly in heart. Gentle does not mean “weak.” He took your cares, concerns, and burdens. “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:4-5

May the peace of Christ be yours this day.