Immanuel Lutheran Church will conduct worship, and Bible study, tomorrow, like usual. Our gatherings typically do not exceed the governor’s recommended limit.
Concerned persons, especially the elderly and those otherwise at risk, should stay home. I’m looking into how we might live-stream our services, or at least place them on a YouTube channel.
Rev. Matthew Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), takes COVID-19, public safety, and spiritual care very seriously. In a recent address, Pres. Harrison said that “the members of Christ’s Body, the Church, yearn for the solace and comfort of the Divine Service — both to hear the Word of God together and simply to be strengthened by the presence of their fellow Christians. The need for this mutual Christian consolation is all the greater in times of fear and crisis. As such, effort should be made to continue holding regular services whenever possible, only canceling as a matter of last resort.“
The situation will be monitored closely. But, by the grace of God, we intend to keep holy the Sabbath day (3rd Commandment), obey those in authority (4th Commandment), and help our neighbor (5th Commandment). Love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10).
Whether we are faced with COVID-19 or whatever the next trial will be, we know that God works all things together for good, for those called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)As a last thought, I’d like to share with you Martin Luther’s thoughts about fleeing the Black Plague, a disease far worse than COVID-19. He wrote: “I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash no foolhardy and does not tempt God.” Luther’s Works Volume 43 pg 132 the letter “Whether one may flee from a Deadly Plague” written to Rev. Dr. John Hess.
The Lord be with you!
In Christ,
Pastor Michael
Immanuel Lutheran Church 