Our Response to the Coronavirus

March 13th, 2020

By Pastor Dean Davenport, Senior Pastor

As of this writing, we now have twelve confirmed cases of Covid-19 which is caused by the Coronavirus in Michigan. Higher Education Institutions have responded by extending breaks and moving classes online. All K-12 schools both private and public have been closed for the next three weeks. Sporting events and other mass gatherings have been cancelled. The Governor and the President have issued warnings and restrictions. Our own LCMS Michigan District President David Maier has spoken to the need to consider our practices and worship experiences. Paper products and cleaning products are scarce. Some people are nervous and scared, while some people are feeling all of this is being blown out of proportion.

Christ Our Savior wants to remind you again that our hope is not in the government or the health institutions. Our hope is not in our own District President or the leaders of our church. Our hope is not in cleaning products. Our hope rests alone in Jesus. He has conquered illness and death. We can be confident that in Him we have a promise of everlasting life in a new creation with no illness or death.

This promise of our place in the new creation is part of what we celebrate and are walking towards in Easter. It seems fitting that during the season of Lent where we focus on our brokenness and sinfulness and need of a Savior that we would have a pandemic to maneuver. It is clear in this that we are not in control and that sin has touched every part of creation. For a follower of Jesus, I believe this pandemic can point us back to Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith.

While on this earth, in the middle of sin, brokenness, and illness, we are called to trust and hope in Jesus as our strength and provider and we are called to care for and love all of creation. As this virus spreads, we are called to heed the advice of those placed around us. We are not called to panic or lose hope.

We know that this virus is spread through personal contact. We also know that those with compromised immune systems and the elderly are more susceptible to the adverse effects of the virus. Christ Our Savior has put into effect some measures to help stop the spread of the virus as best we can while also keeping our trust in the Lord.

You can read the steps and tips we suggest in order to help keep the spread of these and all other germs to a minimum in the blog Being Smart and Being Prepared.

The newest steps we have taken.

We will continue to gather in worship and receive from our Lord on Sunday mornings for both worship and Bible Classes.

You have the permission of Pastor Davenport, Pastor Eden, and the staff to stay at home if you feel that is the best plan for you and your family. Or if you are feeling ill for 'whatever' reason.
Our sermons are available online by Monday afternoon. We are investigating ways in which our whole service can be broadcast for you in some way.
If you would like the pastor to visit, bring you communion, or other pastoral care because you are not in service please call the office or email us to let us know.
Please monitor your email, the website, and Facebook for updated information as the situation continues to change daily and even by the hour.
Each ministry/Bible Study leader will make the decision at this time for their individual groups that meet other than on Sunday's. Please be sure to check with them regarding their plans. Your pastors and leaders will continue to monitor the situation and will make decisions regarding Sunday Worship, Sunday Bible study and Youth and Family night.

Communion

We will continue to offer both the common and individual cups for communion.
Our altar guild will be preparing more individual cups understanding that there will be many who will take the individual cups instead of their normal practice of using the common cup.
Elders & Pastors always wash/sanitize their hands before distributing communion and will continue to do so.
We will provide sanitation stations in the sanctuary for your use when coming in the service and/or to communion.

Offering will be taken in one common box.

Instead of passing the offering plates (& germs) during the normal offering time we will place a collection box under the balcony for you to drop your offering in either before, during, or after worship.
You can always give online through your financial institution or on the website or mail a check to the church. (Please indicate your envelope number.)

Cleaning the common surfaces

We plan to continue to clean common surfaces frequently. If you are interested in helping please let the church office know with a phone call or email. Thank you.

Sermons and other online resources for at home use.

We are here to support each other both physically, spiritually, and mentally. Please be sure to contact the office either by phone or email as needs arise so we can support you to the best of our abilities.
- We do not want you or your family to feel isolated and without hope. Share the promises of Jesus and His hope and comfort with each other often.
- Use the technology He has granted us to stay connected.
We encourage you to read your Bible daily and be in prayer often.
- Pray for those who are sick, for those who are giving care and comfort, for those who are making tough decisions to be given wisdom & discernment. Pray for Jesus to work His good and perfect will through these difficult times.
- "Thank you, Lord, for Your security, strength and comfort in this world that’s falling apart. Strengthen our faith in the face of all dangers and make us bold to witness about You in these uncertain days. Amen. " From Pastor Davenports blog Source of all Comfort.
Our sermons are loaded by Monday evening. You can find them here.
If you are at home and will be doing 'church' from home here are some resources for you to use beyond our sermons. Again, we are looking for ways to get our whole service to you.