Heavenly God, surround our world in this time of uncertainty. Help us to make wise decisions that go beyond our personal bubbles and that we may protect our neighbors from any harm. Bless those who are the most vulnerable and in need of your care, Amen.

Preventing the spread of the Coronavirus to our most vulnerable members is a developing situation. In a church like Faith, this is especially sensitive. I have heard from many of you that you are planning to stay home, or away from gatherings, until further notice. Today, I write to tell you that we are making that choice for everyone.

After returning home on Friday from the beautiful celebration of Mary Fleming’s life, which was livestreamed and recorded, there was a press conference by Governor Walz in which the MN Department of Health strongly encouraged gatherings over 250 not to meet.

After much spiritual discernment with our leaders, it’s time for Faith to wisely make this decision, as many others have.  Faith is pausing most activities for the next two weeks. Faith asks you to stay physically distant, but spiritually close. As our council president, Jennifer Tolzmann, put it, “the most important benefits of worship are fellowship, community, and the message of Jesus… and we can’t really do the first two right now.”

What to expect the next two Sunday’s (March 15^th and March 22^nd):

Worship will be broadcast via radio at 9 am AND livestream at 9 and 10:30. Click on that blue writing and it will open up the page that shows our Livestream. Try it! It won’t show worship unless we are actively having worship! Only essential worship leaders will be attending. I will lead worship and preach. Musicians that are present will lead music. Kids, pay attention for the Word on the Street! The sermon will focus on how we lead in this unexpected and unique time.  

Your continued giving will be important as our church moves into this period of uncertainty. We still have bills to pay and a staff of 18 people to support. Thank you for mailing in your offering or GIVING ONLINE. You may set up one time or ongoing offerings. Consider making an additional gift to Direct Assistance so Faith can provide gas or grocery cards to those experiencing economic uncertainty in the following weeks.

Here’s what will happen on Wednesdays (March 18^th and 25^th) and other non-essential evenings:

Our midday services (and lunch) are canceled. 

Choir, Bells, Committee meetings, Confirmation, Youth Group, BLAST, and Kids Connect are canceled. Wednesday evening worship will be livestreamed at 6:30 pm (again, just CLICK on that link) with only essential leaders present.  Dinner will not be served.

Additional information will be provided via our midweek email.  Our church offices will remain open, as of now, during normal weekday business hours.

Please, if possible, stay home and participate in worship as we practice social distancing to prevent further spread of this virus. Please call others who you worship with to make sure that they know about these changes. If it’s someone that doesn’t know how to livestream, offer to go over and teach them!  Thanks for your patience as we continue to monitor this situation closely,

Pastor John