Dear Glen Cary Friends and Family,
Here are a few updates on Glen Cary happenings and issues surrounding the coronavirus.
The heart of this congregation thrives when we gather together in fellowship, worship and service. With thoughtful planning, we are taking preventative steps now and in the months ahead to reduce the likelihood of transmitting anything contagious. These additional precautions will happen on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings:
Other precautions, including special care in food preparation and serving, and extra cleaning and sanitizing of all surfaces, are being done diligently.
Let’s be wise in our choices and yet not live out of fear of the unknown. I encourage you to still make Sunday and Wednesday worship a high priority in your life. Also, be mindful of family, friends and church people who could use a contact or support during this time. If you choose to stay home for whatever reason, please be sure to continue a devotional and prayer life and keep true to your tithing and giving.
In other happenings, we are in the midst of a 150th anniversary year and have placed before ourselves six goals to work to achieve. One goal - to continue our support for Malawi - was reflected in the commitment of five members of Glen Cary who plan to travel to our sister parishes in May and for Pastor Kathryn Tiede and me to teach at a seminary while we are there. An international conference was to take place in Johannesburg and Glen Cary has three delegates enrolled. However, this trip is uncertain because of ELCA policy regarding foreign travel during this time. The trip may be rescheduled or cancelled. Updates for all when we know more.
We are in the season of Lent where we are called to rediscover the gift of faith through the disciplines of life. Lent gives way to the message of Easter which gives us confidence that love will always win, death does not have the final say and hope is always being revealed. May we continue to live as Easter people.
God's grace and blessings,
Pastor Gary Guptill
Senior Pastor
Glen Cary Lutheran Church
Here are a few updates on Glen Cary happenings and issues surrounding the coronavirus.
The heart of this congregation thrives when we gather together in fellowship, worship and service. With thoughtful planning, we are taking preventative steps now and in the months ahead to reduce the likelihood of transmitting anything contagious. These additional precautions will happen on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings:
- Passing of the peace and shaking the pastor’s hands after worship will be suspended.
- The collecting of our weekly tithe will happen as people come for communion and offering plates will be placed in the aisle.
- Holy Communion will switch to continuous distribution.
Other precautions, including special care in food preparation and serving, and extra cleaning and sanitizing of all surfaces, are being done diligently.
Let’s be wise in our choices and yet not live out of fear of the unknown. I encourage you to still make Sunday and Wednesday worship a high priority in your life. Also, be mindful of family, friends and church people who could use a contact or support during this time. If you choose to stay home for whatever reason, please be sure to continue a devotional and prayer life and keep true to your tithing and giving.
In other happenings, we are in the midst of a 150th anniversary year and have placed before ourselves six goals to work to achieve. One goal - to continue our support for Malawi - was reflected in the commitment of five members of Glen Cary who plan to travel to our sister parishes in May and for Pastor Kathryn Tiede and me to teach at a seminary while we are there. An international conference was to take place in Johannesburg and Glen Cary has three delegates enrolled. However, this trip is uncertain because of ELCA policy regarding foreign travel during this time. The trip may be rescheduled or cancelled. Updates for all when we know more.
We are in the season of Lent where we are called to rediscover the gift of faith through the disciplines of life. Lent gives way to the message of Easter which gives us confidence that love will always win, death does not have the final say and hope is always being revealed. May we continue to live as Easter people.
God's grace and blessings,
Pastor Gary Guptill
Senior Pastor
Glen Cary Lutheran Church