"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1
To our Clairemont Lutheran Church Family,
We are living in times of uncertainty. Social norms are changing and everyone is being asked to take the necessary precautions to safeguard our own health and the health of our families and our community. Despite all that is going on in our communities, our country and the world, we stand firm in our reliance on the grace of God and trust in the mercies of Jesus Christ. But, how we gather as a faith community will be changed for the coming weeks.
Your church council executive committee as well as members of the church staff met Tuesday, March 17th to discuss the ongoing public health issue related to the COVID-19 outbreak as well as the guidance set forth from our Bishop, the Rev. Dr. Andy Taylor. You can read the bishop’s letter on our website. Upon the recommendation of the Bishop, we are cancelling all worship gatherings from now through Palm Sunday, April 5th. We are also cancelling all life groups and community group activities on the church campus through April 5th.
Sunday and Midweek worship will be online. The videos will be made available on our website, YouTube channel and Facebook page. We hope that you will join us in worship this way as we prepare our hearts for Holy Week and the Resurrection. We are encouraging life groups to continue their studies and devotions online as well. We will be offering drive-thru communion on Sunday, March 22nd, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the church parking lot. Only persons who arrive in cars can be accommodated, as we cannot hold in-person gatherings in excess of 10 persons at this time.
The church office will remain open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for the reception of phone calls and e-mails. In the event of an emergency, Pastor Jon can be reached on his cell. Angela can also be reached on her cell phone.
Your church council and staff members will re-evaluate the public health situation as well as any further guidance from our Bishop and government officials in the coming weeks and will keep you up to date. Rest assured, the church will be here and the church will continue. It is our faith in the one who conquered all for us that will sustain us in this time apart, and we look forward to resuming our regular schedule of worship and other campus activities as soon as we are able to do so. We ask that you continue your commitments to the church general fund and building project as you are able so we may continue to do the work God has called us to do. Your tithes can be mailed to the church office or given online on our website.
In the meantime, we ask you to hold our faith community in prayer as well as your neighbors, our governing officials, and others around the world who are dealing with this health emergency. By our faith in Christ, we will see this through.
Sincerely,
Staff and Council Executive Committee Clairemont Lutheran Church / Iglesia Luterana Clairemont
