March 17, 2020
To the OSLC Family in Faith,
As we’ve been gearing up for Bible Camp this summer, I’ve been thinking a lot about the story of Jesus and the disciples on the road to Emmaus. After watching the events of Good Friday, the two disciples were confused, shocked, and unsure of what the future held for them. Maybe some of us can relate to that as we continue to hear news come out about the spread of the COVID-19 virus around our world. What I love about this story is that Jesus comes alongside them and “opens the scriptures” to them. He tells them the story of God and God’s people – enduring through struggle with courage and faith. And he breaks bread with them. It’s in those two acts – the telling of the story and the breaking of bread – that the disciples recognize Jesus in their midst. It’s an Easter story, and I hope it’s okay if I bring some Easter into Lent a bit early.
As we learn more about COVID-19 from the CDC and the Minnesota Dept of Health, the church council and I have decided it is best for us to suspend all in-person gatherings from today, March 17th through Wednesday, April 1st. This means no in-person worship gatherings, no in-person soup suppers, no music rehearsals, or gatherings of any kind. We do not take this decision lightly, but we do it to help slow the spread of this virus particularly among those who are most vulnerable in our community.
We have also decided to move many of our opportunities for worship online – particularly through Facebook and YouTube – as well as have devotional options through the mail for folks who prefer not to be on social media or who may not have connection to the internet in their homes. More will be coming about this soon.
The core of what we do is to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love and break bread in fellowship with one another – just as Jesus did with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. We are still going to do that. But we are trying to do so safely. We’ve heard a lot about “social distancing”, but I think of it more as “physical distancing.” There are ways that we can be apart and protected physically, while still growing closer socially and spiritually.
Our goal as a community of faith is always to love God and our neighbor. That’s who we are. That’s what we do. If there are ways we can help you in this time, please reach out either to me (Pastor Eric) by e-mailing me at [email protected] or call/text me at (701) 261-2394. You can reach out to me via Facebook or Messenger. You can also call the church office at (218) 837-5831. As more communication will take place over the phone and online, please check in with Dawn in the office to make sure we have your updated contact information.
Just as it was true for the disciples on the road to Emmaus, it’s true for us as well: Jesus walks with us in our confusion and uncertainty and brings us mercy and life. For that, we will continually give thanks. God bless each and every one of you.
Grace + Peace,
Pastor Eric & the Council of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church
Everyone is Welcome!
SHARE | INVITE | WORSHIP
Wherever you are or wherever you’ve been, you are welcome here!
You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to be perfect. Just come as you are.
We are an open community committed to welcoming all into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Learn more about OSLC here!
Join us for Worship:
We worship at 401 2nd St. SE in Sebeka, MN
