Jesus prayed, “And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.” (John 17:11)
March 30, 2020
Dear Grace Family:
Based on the latest directives from our federal and state governmental officials, it seems clear that the suspension of in-person worship at Grace Lutheran must be extended through April. All of us – pastors and parishioners – have grieved our inability to gather together, greet one another, sing hymns, and receive Holy Communion. I hope our Sunday morning radio ministry and our online worship recordings on Wednesdays and Sundays have to some extent filled that void for you. I know they are an imperfect substitute, but this is temporary. This will not last forever, and one day soon we will be together again.
Our “fast” from in-person worship will be especially difficult over the coming weeks as it extends through Palm/Passion Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter – the very culmination of Jesus’s story. Pastor Hetrick and I will do our best to provide online worship for you that is meaningful and which includes all of the highlights we endeavor to celebrate at this time of year, including Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. I know it won’t be quite the same, and that saddens me as I know it does you. But none of the gathering restrictions, dangers, or fears associated with this pandemic can reverse or even minimize what Jesus Christ accomplished in the quiet isolation of a tomb, as through his resurrection he defeated sin, death, and the devil forever. It is a victory that resonates throughout history and is worthy of our celebration, even if that celebration occurs in individual homes rather than in our sanctuary. The “oneness” that Jesus prayed we would have transcends everything in this world that threatens to separate us. Even in our physical distancing, our hearts can be united as one.
I want to again thank you for the contributions you continue to send our way so that we can continue our ministries here at Grace and pay our salaries and expenses. Your kindness and generosity has touched me greatly. We know that many people are furloughed and not receiving paychecks at this time, and others will have difficulty returning to economic normalcy for some time. Our prayers are with you. Be a wise custodian of your finances for the good of your family. But in these challenging times I humbly ask that everyone please remember your congregation. Pastor Lynn recently shared a suggestion with me that I want to pass along to all of you. Soon we will be receiving “stimulus checks” from the federal government. For some, these will be a lifeline. For others of us, it will be more in the nature of a windfall. If that is the case with you, please prayerfully consider contributing a tithe of those funds to Grace to help us through these unprecedented times.
Be safe and be well, my friends. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
Pastor Schul