Below is a copy of the letter that was sent out via email and regular mail on Tuesday the 17th to all the members of our community. I wanted to share it here, just in case people did not receive a copy through others venues:
Friend and Family of St. John,
The COVID-19 virus has
turned our daily lives upside down. There is almost no part of our economy or
society that has not been affected by the virus and its spread. While we have
not panicked at St. John, we have been prepared and continue to consult the Texas
department of health and the CDC for the best information on how to keep our
congregation and community safe. With the latest developments, with the
recommendation of the President, the CDC, the WHO and our synodical bishop, the
church council has decided to make important changes to our operations.
Effectively
immediately all ministries, groups and committees are suspended until at least
Easter Sunday. No groups will meet, no meetings will be held in person, no
church sponsored events will take place. There are no exceptions and this
applies to all groups and all ages. Worship will also be affected.
For the next three
weekends, again, until Easter Sunday, we are asking everyone to worship at
home. We will provide live streaming services from the sanctuary at 6 pm
Saturday and 10:30 am Sunday morning. This step is being taken to protect the
most vulnerable in our congregation. COVID-19 is especially dangerous to the
elderly and immuno-compromised. Doctors are also finding that carriers can have
no symptoms, and yet still spread the disease. The very last thing anyone wants
to do is unknowingly make another member seriously ill. So while we are not
locking and chaining the doors during our live stream, we are urging everyone to
stay at home and help keep the infection rate down. We do this for the good of
the congregation, for the good our neighbor and the good of our community.
However, we do not
want you to feel abandoned by the church. So over the next couple weeks,
members of staff and council will be reaching out by phone to our entire
congregation to check in on you. To see if you need prayer, food, assistance
and to invite you to look out for your friends and neighbors. Also we have some
funds available to help our members meet their basic needs.
We are also forming a
group called God’s Gophers. These are volunteers who are at a low risk of
getting ill and can run essential errands for those who really need to remain
in their homes. This could include getting groceries, picking up medication or
other necessary tasks.
We also ask that you
continue to support the church as best you can. We still need to pay our staff
so they can pay their bills. We need to pay our basic utilities and other
expenses to do ministry digitally over the next few weeks. You can give online
through our church website or app, you can check with your bank about giving
through “bill pay”, or you can mail your check to the church. We know not
everyone can do this because this crisis is putting a financial strain on your
family, but if you can, please support St. John’s continued ministry.
Finally, we want to
ask everyone to pray. At noon each day, no matter where you are, take a moment
to pray for the world. Pray for your neighbors, pray for the sick, pray for our
elected leaders, pray for the medical workers battling this disease, pray for
an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and pray for God to us all the wisdom and
patience we need to see this crisis through.
Christians have faced
trials before, far worse than this. In fact, for the first three centuries the
church only existed underground in private homes. In some ways this crisis
reminds Christians of our roots. So do not be afraid as we make these changes
and face whatever else may come. Instead, trust that the God, who has seen his
people through all the ages past, will see us through this crisis too. Trust that
on the other side we will an even stronger community working for the sake of
Jesus Christ, our Savior. Be safe. Stay calm. Wash your hands and God Bless you.
Peace and Blessings,
Rev.
Andrew J. Bell Fritz Nelius, Council
President
St.
John Lutheran Church St. John Lutheran Church
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