Dear Messiah Family,
Social distancing. Working remote. Online learning. These terms have become part of our vocabulary, particularly over the past week. Last weekend, we announced in worship that we would not shake hands during the passing of the peace. Much has happened between then and now.
For Messiah, as for all worshiping congregations, our ability to join together in worship is central to who we are. “Where two or three are gathered in his name…” We join in song and prayer, and are fed in Word and Sacrament.
Yet here we are, in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, which requires a prudent response, not just to protect ourselves, but to protect our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates and fellow sisters and brothers in all realms of our daily life, including here at Messiah.
For this weekend (March 14th & 15th), we are planning to offer our regular worship times and are looking at ways to livestream for those who choose to worship remotely. However, we encourage those who are compromised due to age or health issues to please stay home. If you are not feeling well or are concerned that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, please stay home. As of 2:30 PM on Saturday, March 14, we have decided to cancel worship services this weekend.
Other activities have been adjusted as follows:
- Growing God’s Way Sunday morning education hour is cancelled through the end of the month.
- Mid-week Lenten Soup Suppers are cancelled for March 18 & 25.
- Mid-week Lenten services are cancelled for March 18 & 25, but we might try to live-stream them.
- VAMOS & Confirmation are cancelled for the next two weeks.
- Messiah Community Pre-School is closed while Downingtown School District is closed.
- Anna Circle meeting on March 17 is cancelled.
- Treasures Small Group is cancelled for the next two weeks.
- First Holy Communion instruction will still be offered on March 21.
Yes, we as the family of Messiah Lutheran Church are strengthened by worshiping together. Yet that is not all that defines who we are, especially in unprecedented times such as this. Continue to hold one another in prayer. Continue to reach out to your neighbor in need. Continue to share the love of Christ with your neighbor in your words and actions as we respond to the changes that are taking place around us.
Precautions related to the COVID-19/Coronavirus will have an impact on our activities and gatherings. We recognize that they may also have a negative impact on our giving.
Ministry and pastoral care will continue to be a priority! Please continue to give and support our ministries. Although our activities may be reduced or curtailed for a time, our fixed expenses for our ministries, staffing, and building operations continue. You can send your check. You can give through our website www.MessiahLutherans.com. Or you can use mobile/text giving (See information below) Thank you for your continued support!
As the situation changes, and as recommendations continue to unfold from public health officials, we will continue to evaluate our practices. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Tim Knauss
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Mobile/Text Giving is available through the GivePlus app on Apple or Android phones as well as online through your web browser. Text giving is another option by texting to 610.609.7116. You’ll need to use the link that is shared to register with your credit card. However, you’ll be able to just text your gift quickly in the future once registered.