Lord of Life Lutheran Church

Dear Lord of Life Family and Friends,7.9.2020

I hope that many of you enjoyed the July 4th holiday and got out and enjoyed the summer-time weather. It was good to see more and more of you coming back to worship!

Many of you may have seen an avalanche of information and news on social media about the risk/danger level of certain activities in relationship to modeled infection rates of COVID-19. Some of it lists attending worship services right up there with bar hopping, playing basketball, and going to a music concert with thousands—all as high risk activities. We all need to use critical thinking tempered with faith when confronting both real and imagine threats.

First, we need to use eyes of faith. Paul, when describing our resurrection hope says, “We walk by faith not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5: 7. We cannot and do not know everything we will encounter today. But we do know God’s promise, presence, and provision for the sake of Jesus and our faith relationship with him.

Secondly, we need to use prayer-bathed common sense, asking God for wisdom to act and plan amid an uncertain and sin-broken world. (James 1: 5; 4: 13-17) That means that we do not intentionally put ourselves in harm’s way or do evil or harm to others by our actions, when it is plainly obvious. We ask God for guidance and protection and direction for things that we cannot see or determine or know on our own, but we know that He does.

Finally, we get busy living the life God has given us rather than frantically trying to squeeze out and protect the fleeting days of our earthly existence. That is why Moses wrote in Psalm 90: 10,12, “The length of our days is seventy years-- or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away….12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

So here is what we are doing to help all of you get back into the routine and rhythm of our participation in the Body of Christ at Lord of Life:

1.Both the 8 and 10:45 a.m. worship services are being held each week. Continuous line communion is offered on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. There is plenty of space for social distancing. You may come with masks and practice your appropriate precautions. Nursery care at both worship times and during the Sunday School hour begins to be offered every Sunday going forward.

2.Outdoor concerts on the Event Lawn are being held Wednesdays – July 15 and July 22nd – 6:30 p.m. A food truck (7/15) and Kona Ice (7/22) will be also present for your refreshment and nourishment. See the LOL web page for more information.

3.Family Movie Night and Corn hole – Saturday, August 8th – watch the LOL web page for time and movie information.

4.Midweek Family Night begins Wednesday, September 2nd – free meal at 6 p.m. and programs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

a.Preschool through 3rd grade – Cooking and Science through Bible stories led by Libby Smith and Paul Odenwelder

b.4-6th Grade – acting out the great stories of the Bible led by Karen Krupski

c.Youth study led by Charli Odenwelder

d.Parenting Bible study led by Emily McIntosh

e.Adult Bible study – “Jesus Among Secular Gods” led by Pastor Tim

5.Fall Festival and Christian Concert – Saturday, September 26th – watch for details of games, fun, chili cookoff, and the headline band in the weeks to come

One final note—continue to pray for Pastor Jason Reitz as he deliberates on our Associate Pastor call extended to him. We look forward to hearing back from him soon.

We pray that God is blessing your summer for you and your whole family. Stay safe, God bless you with good health, and we look forward to gathering with you for worship and fellowship.

Pastor Tim