Grace & Peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus, Christ. Amen.

Another month has come and gone and our lives continue to be impacted by the coronavirus. This worldwide pandemic has affected us all – emotionally, physically, and socially. It has interfered with our work, play, school, family, and church lives. There is still a lot to be learned about this virus, and coupled with widespread misinformation many are left unsettled.

Faith’s Lead Team continues to meet every two weeks to monitor and discern the latest recommendations by local authorities and the CDC. It’s in love for our community, both Faith Lutheran and globally, that we are being extra cautious before resuming gathered activities at the church. Just this week our governor began lifting social-distancing restrictions to include recommendations for religious institutions. These delicate suggestions, coupled with the reality that over two-thirds of our congregation is in the high-risk category, have led our Lead Team to determine that it is not yet time to resume in-person gatherings.

The Lead Team’s initiative – to foster a vibrant connected community remains a top priority. Though we may not be physically gathered we can still be connected, sharing in our mutual joys and sorrows. I invite you to connect in one of the many online opportunities. The worship team is working hard to put together a monthly virtual communion service. Continue to reach out to one another through phone calls and written correspondences.

Amid this continued time of grief, Jesus’ words to his disciples come to mind. In John 14:1 Jesus says to his disciples who are about to be in the middle of their own challenges, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” Jesus gives this message of comfort in his farewell discourse as he draws nearer to the cross. Just as Jesus did for his disciples, he does for you also. Jesus calls us to find peace, not in health or financial-wellbeing, Jesus invites us into the peace of his trustworthiness. No matter what challenges we face, Jesus is there loving you.
We’ve seen this love exemplified in grocers, scientists, doctors, nurses, emergency responders, and others who are selflessly helping and providing for others. You too are loving with equal intensity in the important work of praying, sharing with others in grief and fear, and embracing others’ pain. As Jesus’ disciples, we continue with patience and hope in the trustworthiness of his love. A promise of love that survives and surpasses everything. Jesus’ promise of peace comes through each of you no matter where you are at emotionally, physically, or socially.

Let us pray together. Merciful God, in the stillness of our souls we listen for your voice to know again that you are God. Quiet our restless hearts with the knowledge that you are near us, keeping watch over your own. Rekindle our faith and light the lamp of hope within our hearts. Then take us by the hand into each day that lies ahead, for where you lead we can confidently go with Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
 
God’s Peace, Pastor Josh

Redeemer Lutheran Church, ELCA (Hinsdale, IL) Traditional Worship Service
Pr. Josh and Dcn. Shannon completed their internships in the Chicago area at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Redeemer offers a great worship service which is fully streamed online. This can be accessed via Facebook Live or their website. 
-Wednesdays, 7 pm: Holden Evening Prayer
-Sundays, 10 am: Worship

As cases & concerns of the community spread of COVID-19 continue to rise, we are taking precautions. We have decided to follow the plans of the local community leaders and find creative and alternative ways to be the church when we cannot gather physically.

Yesterday afternoon, it was announced that Little Rock School District would be closed through March 27th. It is with the same precaution that we have decided to cancel all Faith Lutheran Church activities, including worship, until March 27. Further decisions beyond that date will be made and communicated as they approach and as we know more about the impact of COVID-19 in our larger community. 

We will send out more information and resources to come. In the meantime, we are considering the following and invite you to also. 
-How can we care for the spiritual needs of one another in this time? 
-How can we care for the urgent needs of those who have been quarantined or high risk and cannot get things like medicines or groceries?
-How can we care for our neighbors in the larger community? 

Symptoms, Risk Factors, and What to do if you suspect you have COVID-19
COVID-19: fever, cough, shortness of breath, symptoms appear 2-14 days after exposure
Influenza: fever, cough, chills, sweats, congestion, sore throat, fatigue, weakness, muscle aches
Allergies: sneezing, itchy nose or eyes, runny nose, watery eyes

High-Risk Factors:
-Anyone over 60 years old
-Chronic Illness: diabetes, heart conditions, respiratory problems (including lung diseases such as asthma)
-Those under treatment for cancer
-Any condition that weakens the immune system
*Even if you do not have a high-risk factor, you may be a carrier of the virus to infect others 

If you suspect you may have COVID-19, call your primary care doctor first. Do not go to urgent care or the emergency room as you could then infect others at risk. 

For further information, refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Do not rely on social media posts as a COVID-19 education. 

If you have an immediate need, please contact us
Pastor Josh - pastorjosh@faithlutheranlr.org 
Deacon Shannon - deaconshannon@faithlutheranlr.org 
We will not be in the church office regularly so please do not call that number if you have urgent needs. Call or email us directly. 

These choices have been made, not to add to anxiety, but to care for our community, both at Faith Lutheran and in the Little Rock area. Though we cannot safely meet together as a community in person, we continue to be the church and hold each other in prayer and care. ​