Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus who is with us always and knows our needs even before we know them or ask.
I’m very thankful to the Lord for our country and all the great communication our leaders are providing to us about the Covid-19 virus including how to best care for each other, our neighbors and community. We are all God’s creation and children and we all need each other.
Our Church Leadership, Michael Hentges, Jimmy Anderson, Dave Albrecht, Rich Mobroten, Brit Weimer and I have been paying very close attention to all the information from the Synod and District leadership and of course our U.S. Government, CDC, WHO, State, Twin Cities, and County in order to care for our congregational needs.
Based on the President of the United States and his staff’s press conference today, we plan to not hold worship services from now through March 31, a 15 day window. The advice of not gathering in groups more than 10 will help our communities to slow the virus from affecting too many people all at once. Therefore, we will not meet together for at least two weeks at our Campus for worship, fellowship or ministry meetings and gatherings. The time may be extended past two weeks as we reassess week by week with our leadership team.
Our plans at this time for the next 15 days at Holy Cross are the following:
WORSHIP
- Lenten Midweek Services will be replaced for the next two weeks (March 18 and 25) with an online video recorded message/sermon based on our “Eyes on Jesus” sermon series that will be available from our website by 6 pm, Wednesday evening or sooner. We hope to offer it also from our Facebook page. A post and/or and email will be sent when available tomorrow.
- Sunday morning Services will be replaced the next two weeks (March 22 and 29) by either a live audio message/sermon through a free call in conference service (more information will follow on Friday or Saturday how to connect) and/or a video recorded message again from our website/Facebook page. (Time TBD and will be communicated by email and by phone to members by this Saturday).
BIBLE STUDY/DEVOTIONS
- Sunday morning TBA. (if the live audio service works for the sermon/message; we will try the Bible study as well with the same phone in live system).
- A Weekly Devotion for encouragement to support us and our neighbors during this difficult time will be shared online with a video recorded message and posted when available each week.
PASTORAL CARE & PRAYER REQUESTS
- Pastor Jim will contact you by phone/facetime/email/text to check in on each household every two weeks. If you would like to set up a particular time that works best please email or text him at pjjobst@gmail.com or cell phone 612-615-2939.
- A Care team is being put together and will call weekly as well to connect with you for any needs you might have especially household items you may be running in short supply and unable to find.
SUPPORT/STAFF
- To support the needs of our ministry financially including our staff, please feel free to mail offerings to the church address. Mail will be gathered daily during the week.
- Pastoral Staff will continue to serve their areas of ministry and plan for future ministry when we gather back together in person for our congregations needs. Best Practices in Ministry is available online for our staff, leaders and members for continued educational learning as well for our ministries. Website at Christ Church offering the audio Ministry session workshops: http://www.cclphoenix.org/bpm-resources
In conclusion, if you have any questions, concerns, or emergencies feel free to call, text, or email Pastor Jim from the information under Pastoral Care. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of His Holy Spirit be with you all!
Serving by grace through faith our Lord Jesus and You,
Pastor Jim