First, we would like to express our gratitude for the over 150 responses gathered in our Fall survey of the congregation. Thank you for taking the time to share your insights and perspectives as we strive to ensure the health and safety of our congregation in this challenging time. The results of this survey showed a congregation that has a wide variety of views and comfort levels regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and our best path forward. However, this survey also showed a congregation deeply committed to caring for one another. We are pleased to know that 97% of those who responded are fully vaccinated, and we hope you’ll continue to encourage your friends and neighbors to get vaccinated ASAP.
Our mandate remains the same that it’s been from the beginning of the pandemic: providing guidelines that promote the health and safety of all members of the congregation. Our worship this fall will include a number of measures designed to help us live up to that standard of safety: masks, distancing, choir-only singing, some outdoor worship, and other methods that we hope are only temporary. Some of these steps may feel like an inconvenience, but we know they won’t last forever. As the Apostle Paul says, “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10) Even with these steps, some members will remain online, enjoying our upgraded Wellstream worship services streamed live from the Sanctuary. We affirm that decision, as we must all do what we can to find that healthy balance between staying safe and staying connected.
Lastly, as we make plans and move boldly into this new season, it is worth noting that all of this is subject to change as we keep an eye on local conditions. We will be watching local COVID-19 numbers and heeding the advice of public health officials as we move into this fall, but we trust the science behind these vaccines that so many of our congregation have taken, and the efficacy of masks with physical distancing. We hope that, with all of these safety measures in place, the opportunity will be afforded for our community to worship in whatever way is best for you and your family. Please contact any member of the Gathering Together Task Force if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for all you are doing to allow us to safely equip all people to live out Christ’s love.
The Gathering Together Task Force:
Erin Burke, Cynthia Page, Kevin Stees, Crystl Whitmire, Greta Willis, Pastor Alex Zuber
Our mandate remains the same that it’s been from the beginning of the pandemic: providing guidelines that promote the health and safety of all members of the congregation. Our worship this fall will include a number of measures designed to help us live up to that standard of safety: masks, distancing, choir-only singing, some outdoor worship, and other methods that we hope are only temporary. Some of these steps may feel like an inconvenience, but we know they won’t last forever. As the Apostle Paul says, “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10) Even with these steps, some members will remain online, enjoying our upgraded Wellstream worship services streamed live from the Sanctuary. We affirm that decision, as we must all do what we can to find that healthy balance between staying safe and staying connected.
Lastly, as we make plans and move boldly into this new season, it is worth noting that all of this is subject to change as we keep an eye on local conditions. We will be watching local COVID-19 numbers and heeding the advice of public health officials as we move into this fall, but we trust the science behind these vaccines that so many of our congregation have taken, and the efficacy of masks with physical distancing. We hope that, with all of these safety measures in place, the opportunity will be afforded for our community to worship in whatever way is best for you and your family. Please contact any member of the Gathering Together Task Force if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for all you are doing to allow us to safely equip all people to live out Christ’s love.
The Gathering Together Task Force:
Erin Burke, Cynthia Page, Kevin Stees, Crystl Whitmire, Greta Willis, Pastor Alex Zuber
Previous Updates:
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While an abundance of caution and love has led us not to re-open our sanctuary at this time for Sunday worship, there is much that CAN be done through this season.
People are hungry for God, for faith, for community and for connection. If we are deliberate and careful, we will in the future be able to look back on this as a time of great growth for Muhlenberg.
As always, we would be happy to talk with you about our decisions, and hear any ideas you have for the good of our shared ministry. Thank you for being part of this family of faith. May God sustain us in this liminal time, and renew our imagination for what lies ahead.
In Christ,
The Gathering Together Task Force
Neil Alexander
Erin Burke
Pr. Lauren Eanes
Cynthia Page
Kevin Stees
Crystl Whitmire
Greta Willis
Pr. Alex Zuber
- We can trust God. Scripture reminds us that we never walk alone, that we needn’t worry, and that all of creation rests in God Almighty’s hand. Our neighbors and our world are watching us for our response to this crisis. Let’s lead people to the love of God by our faith and example.
- We can be patient. Immunizations are on the way. The best scientific minds in the world are working on this issue, and God is the One who gave medical and scientific professionals their skills and aptitudes to do this work.
- We can continue with our ministries: online Bible studies, book groups, and fellowship opportunities for all ages; music ministry offered outdoors and/or online; care and prayer for one another; building community connections through organizations serving the most vulnerable; mask making for community organizations; and engaging in synodical ministries like Kairos and Power in the Spirit online.
- We can continue to thank people for their gifts of offering and communicate the difference their gifts are making.
- We can expand our building’s use during the week through safe procedures set up for Day Care, Second Home, and support groups using the space.
- We can begin to gather in ways that reduce (though not eliminate) our risk of transmission. This document outlines guidelines for in-person pastoral care and small group gatherings.
- We can dream about, and plan for, the future. We have been given a unique opportunity to allow God to do a new thing in our midst, that can unleash the gospel in ways we would have never even imagined. What will ministry at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church look like going forward?
People are hungry for God, for faith, for community and for connection. If we are deliberate and careful, we will in the future be able to look back on this as a time of great growth for Muhlenberg.
As always, we would be happy to talk with you about our decisions, and hear any ideas you have for the good of our shared ministry. Thank you for being part of this family of faith. May God sustain us in this liminal time, and renew our imagination for what lies ahead.
In Christ,
The Gathering Together Task Force
Neil Alexander
Erin Burke
Pr. Lauren Eanes
Cynthia Page
Kevin Stees
Crystl Whitmire
Greta Willis
Pr. Alex Zuber