Worship Service Times:

October 21, 2020

******Important Notice******

Christ Lutheran Church, Burr Oak, and COVID19 and Reopening for in-person Worship,

*****Because Pastor's wife has tested positive for Coronavirus, he is now in Quarantine. That means there will be no in-person Worship Service this Sunday, October 25 (no Sunday School either), and Monday, October 26. There also will be no Confirmation Class the next two Wednesdays (October 21, October 28). The printed and audio sermons and bulletin for Sunday, October 25 can be found here on the Sermons tab at the top of the page, and on our Facebook page. Please worship the Lord this weekend using those resources. There will be in person Worship Service on Sunday, Nov. 1 (9:00 a.m.) and Monday, Nov. 2 (7:00 p.m.). There will be no Sunday School on Sunday, Nov. 1. Holy Communion will not be offered on Sunday, Nov. 1, or Monday, Nov. 2 (Precautionary).****

What in person Worship continues to look like during the Pandemic:

Rather than gatherings of 10, 50, etc. being the guideline, the recommendation now is to have gatherings on a percent of capacity basis. The suggestion is 25%. For our church this would mean an attendance of 50-60 people per service. At this time, we are not planning on having to ask people to call ahead and let us know what service they plan to attend.
Responsible distancing will be practiced within the sanctuary and building – keeping at least a 6 foot distance from one another. This means we will only be using every other row of pews, with certain rows being blocked off. Family units may sit together. We will have ushers to help you find a place to sit.
The entire service will be printed in the bulletin so that no hymnals will have to be used. We would ask that you pick up your own bulletin and that you take your bulletin home with you.
Sadly, we will not be able to do any singing of our hymns or liturgy yet. The CDC has found that singing significantly increases the spread of droplets throughout the air, even with a mask on.
The topic of face coverings/face masks has been a highly debated issue over the past 2 months. You, no doubt, have your thoughts concerning them, and probably know others who feel differently. It is okay to agree to disagree on this matter. Seeking to be sensitive to the issue, you are encouraged to wear a mask/face covering if you feel more comfortable doing so. However, it will not be a requirement. (FYI – Pastor will plan to wear a mask before and after service. He will not wear one during service)
Fellowshipping with one another is one of the blessings we have as fellow believers. However, at this time it would seem wise and prudent to avoid before and after service fellowship. For this reason, you are asked to arrive no more than ten minutes before service begins. Upon arrival, the ushers will help you find a seat. Once service has ended and you are ushered out (starting from the rear of church), please make your way to your vehicle. If you would like to visit, perhaps the open air of the parking lot would be a good place to do this.
Doors will be propped open to facilitate your entrance and exit.
The offering plates will not be passed. They will be left in the back of church, you may place your offering in the plate before or after the service.
Door handles, chairs, and areas that are commonly touched will be disinfected before each service.
Hand sanitizer will be available and Clorox Wipes will be placed into each restroom.

Things to consider

We understand that not everyone will feel comfortable returning to worship immediately. We recognize that there are those who, because of age or compromised health, are at greater risk. If you fall into one of those categories you should not feel pressured or constrained to attend until conditions indicate greater safety. Continue to study God’s Word on your own. Continue to make use of the online sermon/bulletin resources. If you do not have internet, Pastor will continue to send you weekly bulletins and sermons.
Finally, we also leave you with this loving reminder. If you are ill, please do not leave your home. We would give that advice at any time. If there is a health emergency, Pastor will, as always, serve you to the best of his ability by coming to your home or the hospital, if allowed.

Pastor John Werner