A Letter to the Saints of Immanuel Lutheran Church Concerning the Virus Outbreak
Dear Saints of Immanuel Lutheran Church, March 18, 2020
The effects of COVID-19 on our society, economy, and family life are changing daily. No one could have predicted the drastic changes now being recommended by our governmental authorities. As of writing this letter the latest guidance from the New Mexico Secretary of Health advises against mass gatherings to help prevent the spread of the disease. Also, you may have heard the latest federal guidelines suggesting that groups of ten or more should not meet. Our own Rocky Mountain District of the LCMS has advised that churches close in compliance with these guidelines.
Our situation in Roswell is unique. The stress of the outbreak in Denver, where our district headquarters is located, is significantly greater than what we’re experiencing so far in New Mexico. This means that we should give greater consideration to local authorities and use our best judgement for what’s appropriate for our congregation.
To that end, on the 17th of March the Immanuel Lutheran Church’s Council decided that we should do everything in our power to retain the foundation for our Christian life, the Divine Service of Word and Sacrament, while abiding by the spirit and guidance from higher authorities to limit the size of our gatherings.
Therefore, a new schedule of services will be implemented starting this Sunday.
·There will be five divine services on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 7:00 pm each day. This gives the folks who work a chance to get to church.
·The members of the congregation will attend on only one of these days according to their “Elder’s Zone.”
Zone 1 will attend on Sunday. Zone 2 will attend on Monday. Zone 3 will attend on Tuesday. Zone 4 will attend on Wednesday. Zone 5 will attend on Thursday. The zone lists, for your convenience and information, are attached to this letter.
The services will be based on that Sunday’s readings to maintain as much uniformity through the days as possible.
·Do everything possible to attend on your appointed day. Contact your Elder if you absolutely need an exception or if you need help getting to the service.
·Remember, if you are feeling unwell, you should stay home. A pastor can come to visit you.
All other activities, such as Bible Studies, meetings, luncheons, etc., starting immediately will be suspended until further notice. This means that the Lenten services and soup suppers will also be suspended.
Things may again change quickly. For that reason, keep in touch with your Elders, fellow congregants, and pastors. Call each other often, give encouragement, and pray. As I said in this past week’s sermon, the Lord is teaching us about what it means to be Christian. Take the extra time at home to establish a habit of family devotions. Read your Bible. Sing the hymns in your hymnal. In these times the world only offers uncertainty and despair. God’s Word, on the other hand, will not fail us.
No one wants to make these changes, but your pastors and council feel that they’re necessary. Nothing we do will eliminate risk or will be the perfect response. Please, exercise forbearance and patience with us. For the sake of love, we must do what we can to abide by God’s appointed authorities to keep each other safe. When the pandemic subsides, we will reconvene with joy at the Sunday divine service. If it continues to get worse, then we’ll be flexible and do what we must while trusting that God has neither forgotten nor forsaken us.
As the Lord wills, we will continue to preach the Word, bless, pray, and offer the Sacrament.
Remember, if you desire a pastor to visit you, please call me at 317-201-5527.
The Lord hears our prayers and answers according to his good and gracious will. He hears us not because we’ve earned his favor, but because his Son has died to make us righteous in his sight. Having become godly by faith alone in this Gospel, we draw near the throne of grace boldly petitioning our heavenly Father’s mercy knowing that he will graciously give us all things.
O Lord, save us from this outbreak of disease. Grant us to remember your Son, our Savior Jesus, who sits at your right hand with all things under his power. Safeguard our faith by your Holy Spirit and grant us joy in your abundant blessings which you have not withheld form us. Do not take your Word and Spirit from us, we beg. As we are strengthened by your mercy, teach us also to remember the needs of our neighbors and to pray for them. Hear us for the sake of the sufferings and death of your beloved Son who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Pr. A. Brian Flamme