I want to assure everyone, that the leadership of First Lutheran, takes the pandemic, prayerfully and seriously. First we must pray for guidance. It is in the Lord that guidance will come. It is not that we “Have Come to Prayer” now because it is serious but that prayer should always be at the forefront.
What is the response of the Leadership of First Lutheran? Initially we modified the sharing of peace and removed communion. We not only wanted to relieve real but also perceived dangers. It may be true that by keeping both in place, no infections would happened. However, they may have happened. In addition, people’s anxieties are real. Our feeling, worries and anxieties, even though on the surface may not be real, as humans, our feelings impact our physical well-being.
As of the writing of this Blog, we continue with the current modifications in place. This evening, there will be an executive team meeting to consider further response(s). More information will be posted as it becomes available.
Again, we take this very seriously and any actions to be taken will be taken with consideration to the risks associated with keeping the status quo. First Lutheran hosts multiple groups who use this building, and they will be impacted by any decisions made. We host a food pantry and food bank and those also impact on our decisions. We are aware that those in need of food may already be experiencing additional food shortages. We have been closely been monitoring the current impact in our tri-state area. Since we do have people who come to the building from all three states, this is a must, to look at.
As you may know by now, South Dakota has recommended schools close for one week. Iowa has recommended a school closure of four weeks. South Sioux City has chosen to close at this time, until March 27th. There has been no restrictions placed by the state.
There are multiple state and CDC recommendations to consider. We will continue to monitor and adjust as necessary to provide the most services to God’s people, as possible.
If you are sick, do not come to the church. If you are age 60 and older, take all recommended precautions that your medical doctor suggests. If you have a compromised immune system, also follow you medical doctor suggestions. Use good common sense that God has imparted upon you.
We will continue to provide worship via the YouTube channel. If you have not subscribed yet, please do so. This will cause an automated notification of when new live and posted videos are put in place. Please consider subscribing now @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzEA-rkcQJsp6t-64dUGbFg
For the most up to date information, email and text will be used. If you have not yet, signup for email and text notifications. If you are unsure if you have or your email and/or phone number has recently changed, then update you information at: http://www.flcssc.org/wordpress/stay-updated/
If you know of someone that does not use texting, email or does not have internet access, please call them and inform them of this blog post and its contents. We want as many people to know as possible, so spread the word.
Finances are always a concern and even more so now. We need to make sure that giving stays up. Please, if you are one that brings their offering with them on Sunday, send the offering in via USPS or consider signing up for electronic giving at: http://www.flcssc.org/wordpress/donations/
May the peace of our Lord be upon you. May you know God’s love, grace and mercy through Christ Jesus.
Pastor Doug