Suspension of in-person services – November 12, 2020
12 November 2020
To the Members of First Lutheran:
“…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
When Paul wrote these words to Timothy nearly 2000 years ago, he was providing pastoral guidance that has endured. For indeed Paul’s words apply to us today in these times of stress and uncertainty. Since March the world has been in the grip of a global pandemic that none of us has experienced in our lifetimes. As we see case numbers rising at alarming rates all over the world, a sense of fear is once again taking hold for many.
But as Paul reminded Timothy, with God we need not fear, but instead act with power, love, and self control. He has given us the gift of discernment, and of judgment. Since March Church Council, the Board of Elders, the Covid-19 Committee, and Pastor Haycock have worked closely together to make decisions that are taken, not of fear, but of love and self control, after careful and prayerful consideration.
It is in this light that I write today to inform you that, based on recommendation from the Board of Elders and with the full support of the Covid-19 Committee, in-person services at First Lutheran Church will be suspended until further notice. This decision is effective immediately; there will be no services at the church this coming weekend, November 14 & 15. Pastor Haycock will continue to post weekly services to our church website and onto YouTube.
This decision was not made lightly. But given that case numbers in Lloydminster, in Alberta and Saskatchewan, in Canada and around the world are at levels that are much higher than what we experienced in March, it was deemed prudent to return to the restrictions we enacted at that time. Public health officials have been warning us for some time that the pandemic is growing at an alarming rate, and that we must all do our part to reduce social contacts and the chance of spreading the virus.
We don’t know how long this will be in place. Nobody can say for sure. For now, it is safe to say that there will be no services for the rest of November and quite likely throughout Advent and Christmas. We know that this will be very disappointing to many members, but we feel it is absolutely necessary to safeguard the health of our congregation. The Board of Elders & the Covid-19 Committee will continue to monitor the situation and make recommendation as to when in-person services can resume once again.
As was the case last spring, Pastor Haycock, Church Council, and the Board of Elders are keenly aware of people’s need for reassurance and pastoral care during these times of great uncertainty. We will do everything possible to provide our members and others seeking spiritual support an avenue to access Word and even Sacrament. As noted before, weekly services will continue to be posted. Private Communion will be available to members in groups of up to 10 on Tuesday & Thursday mornings, by prior arrangement with our Church Secretary Brenda. In addition, Pastor Haycock is posting Bible studies to the church website at https://firstlloydminster.lutheranchurchcanada.ca/
As always, the financial needs of the church will continue despite having no in-person services. As has been noted before, members can arrange for automatic transfer of funds from your bank account, your offerings can be mailed to the church (cheques only, no cash please), or a Member of the Board of Stewardship will come to your home and pick up your offering. Please contact Financial Secretary Melinda Campbell or any member of the Board of Stewardship to arrange for your continued financial support of the congregation.
Paul reminded Timothy that the gift of God’s spirit gave us power, love, and self control. That reminder is for us as well. While we may not be gathering to worship together, our Pastor, Council, Elders, and others in the congregation are there to assist you during these extraordinary times, to providing the care and counsel you may need. May God bless you and keep you in these difficult days.
In Christ,
Richard Starke
Congregational President, First Lutheran Church