The
Congregation Council met on Thursday, August 20 to review and reassess our response to the Covid-19 pandemic and to make plans for the coming weeks. All present wished we could announce that the data tells it is safe enough for all our members, especially those at higher risk, to once again gather. However, with data that shows a
74% chance of exposure in a gathering of fifty and a 24% chance in a gathering of just ten; with 14 day trends in Polk County and the state rising in terms of new cases and deaths; with schools and colleges looking at uncertain starts ups, we have determined that staying the course of the last months is best. (For a more detailed explanation of the guidelines and plans we are following, check out the
GraceNotes article A Sanctuary in Waiting).
We review the data weekly so we can alter our course as things change. We are continuing to learn and innovate to find ways to keep our congregation connected and vital through this extraordinary time. We know that there are some who cannot take advantage of the technology we are using to do this. We are trying our best to be mindful of everyone's needs. If you cannot currently connect and would like help finding out how to do that - let us know!
Please know that we all want to see one another and reconnect. We also know that risking unsafe returns makes a breeding ground for the virus and threatens the safety of all. Please understand we make our decisions with prayer and in faith.
WORSHIP
On-site worship is cancelled thru Sunday, October 18, 2020. We will continue to provide video opportunities to worship each week. Watch your email and Facebook for information. Our YouTube channel and Facebook page will be the places to find what is posted. Our website has both the videos and some helps for worship at home.We are continuing to refine our ability to produce online worship and programming because we know that the pandemic has made this a permanent part of ministry and mission.
When you worship with us, please make sure to fill out a virtual Welcome Card which can be found on the website, with the worship email or on the mobile app.
Funerals and other pastoral acts are available under the very restrictive "phase one" guidelines (gatherings of ten or less) outlined by the CDC and church leaders. The pastors have permission to handle these events in a way that is safe and responsible.
LEARNING & SMALL GROUPS
Continue to look for David Fandrich's weekly From the Loft videos to give you hope. GraceNotes offers a weekly word of hope an grace. These and other resources to come hope to keep us connected to God and one another in this time.
PASTORAL CARE
Please know that the homebound, sick, and grieving members of our congregation are continuing to receive care in the best ways we can offer. Our prayer ministry and follow-up continues. Hospital visits and entry into care facilities are still off limits to clergy throughout the state.
Please let us know what prayers we can pray; what help we can provide. Simply check the staff website to contact us! In an emergency, you can reach the pastor on-call at 515-336-0811.
We also want to encourage you to encourage and support one another. God has made us all members of the body of Christ and, through baptism, made us all ministers of grace and hope.
ADMINISTRATION
The office will continue to be closed through October 18, 2020. You can still reach staff by email. Go to the staff page of the website for email and phone extensions. You can call the church and it will be answered by the automated voicemail. Follow prompts to leave a voice mail for the person with whom you wish to speak. We can all access voicemail from our home and mobile phones.
We continue to depend on the generosity of our members to fund the ministry. You can give by mail or on-line at any time. We give thanks to all who have continued to give and support our mission!
OUTREACH AND SERVICE
We continue to collect food for the Food Pantry (which is open from Noon - 4 PM each Tuesday. We will open the doors and make baskets available each Monday from 9-11 AM for food donations. You can also stock the Helping Hands boxes - at the east and west ends of the south parking lot. You can make a contribution to the food pantry to purchase what we need delivered.
Grace and peace to you in the name of the blessed Holy Trinity!
