03/17/2020
Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
St. Paul writes in the first chapter of 1st Timothy, "God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Concerning the coronavirus, or any danger or time of concern, we as Christians ought to remember that our Lord has blessed us by the Gospel to know, understand, and believe the truth. We see the big picture. As Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." Being confident in His promise of salvation and the forgiveness of sins, we are able meet every situation with a confident spirit.
Jesus said, "man does not live by bread alone, but by every word from the mouth of God." Thus, holding services and hearing the Word of God is something vital for all of us. At the same time, we also need to be mindful of how to make wise decisions--how best to serve our neighbor and aid the government's attempt to slow the rate of infection so that the health care system is not overwhelmed.
Sunday and Wednesday services will continue to be held. Though we will institute more safety and sanity measures, it is very important that we as a church continue to preach the Gospel and be a beacon of God's light. It is important, especially at a time like this, for people to know that the Church is still a refuge for weary souls. We are aware of the current policy that states that no more than 50 people are to gather at once (https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/action.html ). Due to some people staying home we do not expect at this point to exceed that number at any one service. (We did not exceed 50 at any one service last week.) If the state changes this policy, we will revise and change our plans as appropriate.
Note on Church Attendance: If you are showing signs of sickness you should stay home out of love for neighbor. Likewise, you should also consider staying home if you are at high risk to be severely affected by the virus--the very elderly and those who have weakened or compromised immune systems. It is not wrong to stay home from church for a legitimate reason. Of course, on the other hand, it certainly does not speak well of one's priorities if you are going everywhere else, but avoiding church.
Confirmation and children's Sunday School are canceled until further notice.
Sunday Adult Bible Class will continue to be held.
All other church groups or board/committee meetings are canceled until further notice. Exceptions for business that must be taken care of will be made on a case by case basis as needed. If you have any further questions, please call the church office or pastor.
We are in the midst of a swiftly changing situation. Undoubtedly, we will have to continue to modify our plans and schedules. St John's is not only looking at how to react, but also how to be proactive in this situation. The Deacons will be meeting to formulate a plan so that our church family can keep in touch--checking in with our members and making sure the Word of God can continue to be heard by other means if in the weeks or months we are not able to meet as a congregation.
If you would like to stay up to date on what is happening at the Church please send a message to pastor's email (pastormastin @ gmail.com). In addition, if you are not a high risk person and would like to help members who are high risk by picking up medications or shopping for necessities in the coming days please let pastor know.
While we are able to meet together to receive the means of grace, we will afford people that opportunity. The Church has been commissioned to proclaim the Gospel of salvation. We are a chosen people, blessed by the forgiveness of sins and washed in the blood of Christ. Many are tempted in a crisis to let their spirit lurch this way and that, stumbling in fear and anxiety. I encourage all of you to continue to point each other, and all men, to the Rock and Anchor of our lives--Christ.
In Christ,
Pastor Tyson Mastin
