Our community, country, and world have been faced with remarkable challenges and changes in the midst of COVID-19.  Families have been unable to gather, school and work have moved online, restaurants and stores are slowly reopening after months of closures, sports and entertainment events are cancelled, and our economy is taking a larger hit than we could have imagined.  Our own community, Harrisonburg, has been hit hard by the virus. 
 
At the same time, our hearts break at being separated from one another.  We yearn to return to in-person worship and activities.  Worshiping together is a central part of being a church, and we miss the community of being together as the body of Christ.  
 
Unfortunately, research and anecdotal evidence keep pointing to the danger of gathering in a large group, in an enclosed space. Each day, new outbreaks that originated in congregational settings are reported. Some of the things that appear to spread COVID-19 the most, such as handshakes and hugs, singing, and sharing food, are the same things that are at the heart of our worship gathering.  We also know that a large portion of our congregation falls into an “at-risk” category, and would not be able to join the assembly for worship.  Having a worship service in which only a portion of our congregation would be permitted to attend does not embody the heart of who we are as a congregation, equipping all people to live out Christ’s love.  
 
With all of these things in mind, we have been praying extensively and consulting multiple sources to determine what we believe to be Muhlenberg’s call of the Holy Spirit in response to the regulations and advice of government and health care officials, as well as leaders in the Virginia Synod.  We believe the church has the responsibility to act in good prudence, with an abundance of caution, and also with a heart for outreach for all--especially those who are at-risk. 
 
The overwhelming response to our recent member survey indicated a desire for Muhlenberg to maintain and expand our digital ministries, and not rush to in-person events. However, some did express a desire for increased in-person opportunities. And the biggest takeaway was that almost everyone is greatly missing the sacrament of communion.
 
After reviewing the survey, current COVID trends in Harrisonburg, our congregation’s mission and vision, and input from staff and Congregation Council, the Task Force recommended an expansion of worship opportunities and at-home devotional resources, while maintaining our current guidelines for use of the building and parking lot. A new 8:30 am Sunday worship service will take place via Zoom, and will include communion. The second Sunday of each month, an afternoon “Parking Lot Worship” will occur at 4:00 pm, also with communion, and as the name suggests, this will be in-person in our church parking lot. Our 11:00 am YouTube/Facebook Service of the Word worship will continue in its current format, with full liturgy, music, and sermon.
 
There are also many creative new opportunities for Christian Formation, Music, Fellowship, and Service being developed, and a full description of these events has been sent to every member household. Click below to view the newsletter.
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. 
  1. 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.
  2. We can be patient.  More testing and immunizations will come.  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.
  3. 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.
  4. We can continue to thank people for their gifts of offering and communicate the difference their gifts are making.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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