13
Mar
Dear Friend of Nativity:
As we have continued to monitor and assess the situation regarding the coronavirus over the last few days, we have decided to make the difficult-but we believe faithful and responsible-decision to temporarily suspend all activities at Nativity including worship.
We are taking this step not out of fear, but rather as a way to be a proactive and responsible community leader attempting to do our part to “flatten the curve” of transmission and limit the spread of the virus. We believe taking this decisive action today not only allows us to most fully love our neighbor–especially the weakest and most vulnerable members of our community–but also allows us to be supportive partners of our healthcare system by doing what we can to try to prevent it from being overwhelmed.
We recognize that the sense of community, support and love we have to offer at Nativity is more important than ever right now, and we make this decision in full awareness that by suspending our activities–especially worship–we are, for a period, limiting how we can support one another in community. But we also believe that the decision to err on the side of caution is called for in these circumstances.
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
- Beginning today, we are suspending all regularly scheduled ministries, including weekend and midweek Lenten worship services, through Wednesday April 1.
- We will continue to monitor the situation, and will reevaluate and communicate our next steps no later than March 27.
- We will live stream worship at 10:30 a.m. for March 15, 22 and 29. We will also live stream our Wednesday Worship at 11:45am and 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 18, 25, and April 1. These Worship services will be archived and available to be watched at your convenience.
- The church offices will remain open during regular hours during the week, and pastors and staff will remain available for pastoral care and other needs.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
- Pray for this entire situation–for those affected by the virus, and for those who will be asked to care for them.
- Be safe. Continue to follow recommendations to remain healthy by washing your hands and by staying home if you are not feeling well.
- Please share information about Nativity’s decision to temporarily suspend all activities with others you know. We want to ensure that everyone gets this information in a timely manner.
- Continue to support the mission and ministry of Nativity. Envelopes that would typically be given during worship can be mailed or dropped off during the week, or you can give online at nativitychurch.org/giving or use Venmo – @NativityLutheran
- With you, we are keeping this entire situation in our loving prayers, and are also exploring ways that we can continue to be an effective and supportive community partner during this period. We will continue to communicate updates on our website, via email and our social media platforms. In the meantime, reach out with any questions or concerns, and thank you, as always, for making Nativity a vital, healthy and beautiful community of faith.
Reassured in the Love of God,
Glenn Seefeldt
Senior Pastor
Senior Pastor
612 600-1817
Ben Schori
Associate Pastor
651 308-6383