March 23, 2020
To the OSLC Family,
In the spirit of the “back to basics” message that Jesus has had for us this Lent, there are a couple of basics for us to remember: God is good. God is faithful. God loves you. If you’re like me, you’re getting tired and weary of these tiring and weary times. But it’s in these tiring and weary times that we lean on the everlasting arms of our Creator.
I’ve been reciting a favorite scripture of mine a lot lately from Romans 8, where Paul writes, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor the present, nor the future, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
Nor anything else in all creation, Paul reminds us. That means no virus or stock market, no anxiety or fear. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. Nothing.
God is here for you in this uncertain time. Your church is here for you too. Our presence will look a little different for a while. The OSLC Council has been in conversation almost daily for the last week or so and we have decided that the best way for us to love our neighbor is to protect our neighbor.
Beginning immediately, we will move all church activities to online or written formats and will close our building indefinitely to all in-person gatherings of any kind.
Until the CDC recommends otherwise, we will be postponing all weddings, funerals, or baptisms and will follow the Governor’s declarations and Minnesota State Department of Health for guidance toward safely gathering once again. So what will church look like? I’m so glad you asked.
Another option for Sunday worship is to join our siblings in Christ at Immanuel Lutheran in Wadena on the radio. They broadcast a full worship service on AM920 at 9:30am Sunday mornings. The pastors there are wonderful and will bring an excellent worship service to you over the radio.
In the midst of all of this, please call the church office and check in with Dawn to be sure that we have the correct contact information for you, as this will be incredibly important to maintain communication in the weeks to come.
There have been a number of folks who have reached out with concern about offerings and thank you for expressing this concern. We have many people who are connected to giving online through Vanco. It’s an incredible help for our church. In that spirit, there are three primary ways to financially support OSLC in this time.
1. You can contact Dawn at the office to sign up for Vanco online giving. This is the easiest way to support OSLC and we’re grateful for all who have signed up!
2. Vanco also has an app called the GivePlus+ app, which allows you to offer a one-time gift through Vanco, or set up a recurring offering through a checking or savings account.
3. You can also mail a check to the church where it will be counted and deposited.
THANK YOU!
I know this is a scary and uncertain time, but God and God’s people have been through scary and uncertain times before. And God is leading our way again.
If there is anything we can do for you in this time of physical distancing, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call the church office. As your pastor, you can call, text, e-mail, or message me on social media. If you’d like prayer or need some help, please contact us. Your council and your church are here for you.
In these days ahead, may God bless and keep you. May God calm your fears and strengthen your joy. May God remind you of the goodness of each and every day. Grace has brought us safe thus far, and God’s grace will continue to lead us.
Grace + Peace to you,
Pastor Eric and the OSLC Council
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
