Friday, March 13, 2020

To all at Faith,

Over the last several weeks, we have observed the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). As it is very easy to press the panic button, I pray that the Lord may grant you peace as you continue to live by His merciful grace. Also, as a congregation it would be wise to take certain steps that would reduce and slow the spread of the virus.

General Precautions

• Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 sec.
  [ I usually pray the Lord’s Prayer, or sing the Doxology as a good benchmark for time ]
• Use hand sanitizer if available
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue if you sneeze or cough
• If you are sick or you are showing any symptoms, please stay home

Concerning Church Schedules

• Sunday services at 9:15am will continue as usual.
• Wednesday midweek Lent services at 7pm will also continue.
• We have decided to cancel the rest of our midweek Lent suppers.
• For the remainder of March, Adult Bible Class as well as Sunday School will be canceled.
• If you are unable to come to church, you can watch the recorded sermon online
• Offering can be done online as well

Concerning the Divine Service

• No hand shaking. Please refrain from further contact as a precaution.
• No holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer and also during the dismissal of Holy Communion.
• No passing of offering plates. The offering plates will be placed near the door.

Concerning Holy Communion

The altar guild will take extra precaution of cleanliness during the preparation of the Sacrament.

• For those receiving the individual cups - only touch the individual cup that you are to drink.
• For those receiving the common cup - the purificator [the linen used to wipe the cup] will now be soaked in Everclear. This will ensure that the outside of the chalice is sterile. Please do not touch the rim of the chalice. Only use your hand on the base of the chalice to help me guide it to your mouth.

Though we take much caution during this time, remember the words of Jesus, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” [Mt14:27]. I pray the Lord may guide you by His Word. For in Him, we have life and nothing will separate us from the love of Christ. If you are unable to attend church and are in need of a pastoral visit, please give me a call anytime and I will gladly come visit you, God be with you all and may the death and resurrection of our Lord be your eternal comfort during this time.

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” John 4:13-14

Pastor Jeong