Updates on the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19)
Fall Programming
August 4, 2021
Although the pandemic is still a reality in our world, vaccines are readily available, and most people active in our congregation have been vaccinated. At this time, we plan to move forward with fall programming for all ages, following the same precautions as the public school district. Worship looks generally like "normal." We continue to have masks available in the church building for anyone who would like to wear one. Pastor Daniel will continue to post each week's sermon online.
If you have any concerns or suggestions, please reach out to Pastor Daniel or anyone on the church council.
August 4, 2021
Although the pandemic is still a reality in our world, vaccines are readily available, and most people active in our congregation have been vaccinated. At this time, we plan to move forward with fall programming for all ages, following the same precautions as the public school district. Worship looks generally like "normal." We continue to have masks available in the church building for anyone who would like to wear one. Pastor Daniel will continue to post each week's sermon online.
If you have any concerns or suggestions, please reach out to Pastor Daniel or anyone on the church council.
In-Person Worship Resumes!
February 7, 2021
Church Council has decided that we will be worshiping in-person unless the 14-day test positivity rate in Butler County is above 15% as of Friday morning.
Our current service times are Saturday at 6:00 pm in the fellowship hall or Sunday at 9:30 am in the Sanctuary. We'll be following the same Covid precautions as in the fall, including sitting apart and not singing, and we'll use individually packaged elements for celebrating Communion. Sunday School will continue as online-only through the spring.
Each week's sermon will continue to be posted online as well.
February 7, 2021
Church Council has decided that we will be worshiping in-person unless the 14-day test positivity rate in Butler County is above 15% as of Friday morning.
Our current service times are Saturday at 6:00 pm in the fellowship hall or Sunday at 9:30 am in the Sanctuary. We'll be following the same Covid precautions as in the fall, including sitting apart and not singing, and we'll use individually packaged elements for celebrating Communion. Sunday School will continue as online-only through the spring.
Each week's sermon will continue to be posted online as well.
Online-Only Worship
January 7, 2021
At our January meeting, your Church Council voted to return to in-person worship beginning next weekend, January 16 & 17, 2021. We will continue with the schedule we had been following during the fall, with Saturday service at 6:00 pm in the fellowship hall and Sunday service at 9:30 am in the Sanctuary.
As the pandemic continues and hopefully begins to come to an end, we are hoping to have in-person worship as much as possible, but we also recognize that there may be some weeks when it's wiser to refrain from gathering for a week or two. To try to have more clarity around when we'll have worship in-person and when we'll be online, the Council has set a parameter that if the 14-day test positivity rate is above 15% as reported on Friday morning at 9:00 am on the Iowa coronavirus dashboard, we will have only online services for that weekend. As soon as that rate falls below 15%, we'll be in the building.
If we do need to move to online services for a weekend, I'll send an email on Friday to let you know, and it will also be posted on our Facebook page and website, as well as on the electronic church sign.
Our hope is that we can have worship in the building each weekend, but we also want to do our best to love our neighbors, keep each other healthy, and help prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed.
If you are at higher risk or otherwise not comfortable coming in the building to worship, that is ok! I will continue to post each weekend's Scripture and sermon at 9:30 on Sunday morning, and include it in my weekly email. If we have to move online for a weekend, I'll do my best to put together a whole online service, including music and prayers. No matter what, I also plan to offer drive-in communion on Sunday, February 14 from 10:30-11:30.
Thank you for your patience as we do our best to continue to navigate serving our community during the pandemic, and thank you to the Church Council for all their deliberation and work these last few months!
Your servant in Christ,
-Pastor Daniel Flucke
January 7, 2021
At our January meeting, your Church Council voted to return to in-person worship beginning next weekend, January 16 & 17, 2021. We will continue with the schedule we had been following during the fall, with Saturday service at 6:00 pm in the fellowship hall and Sunday service at 9:30 am in the Sanctuary.
As the pandemic continues and hopefully begins to come to an end, we are hoping to have in-person worship as much as possible, but we also recognize that there may be some weeks when it's wiser to refrain from gathering for a week or two. To try to have more clarity around when we'll have worship in-person and when we'll be online, the Council has set a parameter that if the 14-day test positivity rate is above 15% as reported on Friday morning at 9:00 am on the Iowa coronavirus dashboard, we will have only online services for that weekend. As soon as that rate falls below 15%, we'll be in the building.
If we do need to move to online services for a weekend, I'll send an email on Friday to let you know, and it will also be posted on our Facebook page and website, as well as on the electronic church sign.
Our hope is that we can have worship in the building each weekend, but we also want to do our best to love our neighbors, keep each other healthy, and help prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed.
If you are at higher risk or otherwise not comfortable coming in the building to worship, that is ok! I will continue to post each weekend's Scripture and sermon at 9:30 on Sunday morning, and include it in my weekly email. If we have to move online for a weekend, I'll do my best to put together a whole online service, including music and prayers. No matter what, I also plan to offer drive-in communion on Sunday, February 14 from 10:30-11:30.
Thank you for your patience as we do our best to continue to navigate serving our community during the pandemic, and thank you to the Church Council for all their deliberation and work these last few months!
Your servant in Christ,
-Pastor Daniel Flucke
Online-Only Worship
December 2, 2020
The Church Council has decided that our worship services will be online-only through at least January 10, 2021. Please note that this includes the Christmas Eve service, and the "Bethlehem Journey" event and in-person Christmas Day service have been cancelled. Watch this week's service on the home page.
December 2, 2020
The Church Council has decided that our worship services will be online-only through at least January 10, 2021. Please note that this includes the Christmas Eve service, and the "Bethlehem Journey" event and in-person Christmas Day service have been cancelled. Watch this week's service on the home page.
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Moving Online Again
November 11, 2020 - Text of Facebook Video Good morning, I have an update to share with you about our worship services here at St. Peter. Council has decided—and I agree—that with how quickly Covid cases in our area are going up and since our state seems to be hitting new hospitalization records each day, it’s not wise to gather for in-person worship right now through Thanksgiving. Even though we’re taking good precautions in our services, it just doesn’t seem responsible to be encouraging people to gather at this time when the numbers are so much worse than they were in the spring when we suspended before, and we want to love and protect our neighbors. And, since church isn’t about the building, we have other options for worship! I hope you’ll join me for online worship for at least the next two Sundays - I’ll have the service online by 9:30 on Sunday morning here on our Facebook page and on our website. While online worship is a great option for staying safe, it puts a lot of financial pressure on our congregation, because not as many people give offering when we’re not together in the building. In fact, even just missing one weekend last month made October the worst month for financial giving in at least the last 5 years. So, if you’re able to mail in or drop off your offering or give online at stpetergreene.com/giving we are very grateful, and if you have the ability, even a little extra right now would be helpful. If you’re willing to record a video or prayer for online worship so it’s not just me talking at a camera, let me know! Gracious God, in these times of uncertainty and disruption, help us to trust and believe that you are still at work. Open our eyes to see your Holy Spirit working in our world. Give good courage to those who feel alone or lonely, peace and healing to those fighting the covid virus, and protection and strength to those working in medicine. Thank you for the gift of technology so we can still worship together while we’re apart. In Jesus' name, Amen Stay safe, everyone! -Pastor Daniel Flucke |
June Update: Resuming In-Person Worship
June 8, 2020 - Mailed to Congregation
Friends in Christ,
At their meeting on Wednesday, June 3rd, your Church Council voted to resume worship services in the church building. In-person worship will resume this weekend, June 13-14, with Saturday service at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall, and Sunday service at 9:30 in the Sanctuary. While we rejoice at being able to gather again as a congregation after 12 weeks apart, we know the COVID-19 virus is still spreading in our community, so worship will look a bit different than you might be used to.
Working from guidelines provided by the CDC, Iowa Department of Public Health, ELCA, and our insurance company, Church Council has approved the following adaptations for worship.
Before You Come to Church
First, if you are currently sick, have a fever or other COVID-19 symptoms, or have been exposed within the last two weeks to someone with COVID-19, please do not attend worship. State guidelines ask that you remain home and do not enter the church building. In addition, if you are over age 65, have a weakened immune system, or are otherwise considered to be at high-risk for COVID-19, consider not attending at this time. Your health and safety are important!
For those not attending, video of each week’s sermon will be posted on the church Facebook page and on the church website. Audio of sermons is also available as a podcast or on CD by request. If you contact the church office, we would be happy to send you a bulletin to help you stay connected.
Other than during worship, access to the church building will continue to be limited to committee meetings and weekday office hours as necessary. If you need to get in the church building at another time, please contact the church office or Pastor.
Social Distancing in Worship
When you get to the building, please use the hand sanitizer available inside each entrance. Everyone attending worship is strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in the building, and masks will be available for anyone who needs one.
To help you maintain a six-foot distance, we’ve blocked off some pews in the sanctuary, and spread out the chairs in the fellowship hall. Please sit in the open seats with your family and maintain physical distance from others, following the direction of the ushers. We will not be shaking hands or passing offering plates or clipboards during this time, and children’s worship bags will be unavailable. Rather than an usher handing you a bulletin, bulletins will be placed in the pews and chairs for you. Please take your bulletin home with you following worship.
Before and after the service, do not congregate to chat or visit in the building. If you want to visit with others, do it outside. We will not be having fellowship time or refreshments after worship, and the round tables have been temporarily removed.
Unfortunately, singing is one of the most dangerous activities in terms of potentially spreading the virus. Therefore, worship will not include singing of hymns, liturgy, or other songs in worship right now. We will speak the portions of the liturgy, and hopefully have solo vocal or instrumental special music (if you would like to share music in worship, please contact the church office or worship committee!).
We will be celebrating Holy Communion only with individual cups and wafers or pre-cut bread. In addition, we will not be using the altar rail. For the time being, Pastor will be the only one preparing the elements before services. Pastor and any communion assistants will also use hand sanitizer immediately before distribution and will wear masks while serving.
Ushers, lectors, and communion assistants will not be scheduled during this time, but worship servants are still needed. There will be a signup sheet at church, or you can contact the church office to volunteer.
Thank you for continuing to be the church during this time of physical distancing! This season has been a powerful reminder that the church is not a building, but the people of God. The church has not closed and our ministry has not stopped. Thank you for participating in online worship, continuing to financially support our ministry, and checking in with one another.
We look forward to when these alterations to worship will no longer be necessary, but in the meantime, thank you for your cooperation as we do our best to love, serve, and protect our neighbors. Any questions you have may be directed to Pastor or Church Council, who will continue to evaluate and make changes as necessary. May God bless you in these strange times.
In Christ,
Pastor Daniel Flucke; Keith Hyman, Council President;
St. Peter Lutheran Church Council: Clarene Backer, Esther Backer, David Crow, John Ebensberger, Carrie Eiklenborg, Andrea Gotto, Kelly Hoodjer, Erin Mulder, Jan Osier, Chuck Thompson, William Schmidt
June 8, 2020 - Mailed to Congregation
Friends in Christ,
At their meeting on Wednesday, June 3rd, your Church Council voted to resume worship services in the church building. In-person worship will resume this weekend, June 13-14, with Saturday service at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall, and Sunday service at 9:30 in the Sanctuary. While we rejoice at being able to gather again as a congregation after 12 weeks apart, we know the COVID-19 virus is still spreading in our community, so worship will look a bit different than you might be used to.
Working from guidelines provided by the CDC, Iowa Department of Public Health, ELCA, and our insurance company, Church Council has approved the following adaptations for worship.
Before You Come to Church
First, if you are currently sick, have a fever or other COVID-19 symptoms, or have been exposed within the last two weeks to someone with COVID-19, please do not attend worship. State guidelines ask that you remain home and do not enter the church building. In addition, if you are over age 65, have a weakened immune system, or are otherwise considered to be at high-risk for COVID-19, consider not attending at this time. Your health and safety are important!
For those not attending, video of each week’s sermon will be posted on the church Facebook page and on the church website. Audio of sermons is also available as a podcast or on CD by request. If you contact the church office, we would be happy to send you a bulletin to help you stay connected.
Other than during worship, access to the church building will continue to be limited to committee meetings and weekday office hours as necessary. If you need to get in the church building at another time, please contact the church office or Pastor.
Social Distancing in Worship
When you get to the building, please use the hand sanitizer available inside each entrance. Everyone attending worship is strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in the building, and masks will be available for anyone who needs one.
To help you maintain a six-foot distance, we’ve blocked off some pews in the sanctuary, and spread out the chairs in the fellowship hall. Please sit in the open seats with your family and maintain physical distance from others, following the direction of the ushers. We will not be shaking hands or passing offering plates or clipboards during this time, and children’s worship bags will be unavailable. Rather than an usher handing you a bulletin, bulletins will be placed in the pews and chairs for you. Please take your bulletin home with you following worship.
Before and after the service, do not congregate to chat or visit in the building. If you want to visit with others, do it outside. We will not be having fellowship time or refreshments after worship, and the round tables have been temporarily removed.
Unfortunately, singing is one of the most dangerous activities in terms of potentially spreading the virus. Therefore, worship will not include singing of hymns, liturgy, or other songs in worship right now. We will speak the portions of the liturgy, and hopefully have solo vocal or instrumental special music (if you would like to share music in worship, please contact the church office or worship committee!).
We will be celebrating Holy Communion only with individual cups and wafers or pre-cut bread. In addition, we will not be using the altar rail. For the time being, Pastor will be the only one preparing the elements before services. Pastor and any communion assistants will also use hand sanitizer immediately before distribution and will wear masks while serving.
Ushers, lectors, and communion assistants will not be scheduled during this time, but worship servants are still needed. There will be a signup sheet at church, or you can contact the church office to volunteer.
Thank you for continuing to be the church during this time of physical distancing! This season has been a powerful reminder that the church is not a building, but the people of God. The church has not closed and our ministry has not stopped. Thank you for participating in online worship, continuing to financially support our ministry, and checking in with one another.
We look forward to when these alterations to worship will no longer be necessary, but in the meantime, thank you for your cooperation as we do our best to love, serve, and protect our neighbors. Any questions you have may be directed to Pastor or Church Council, who will continue to evaluate and make changes as necessary. May God bless you in these strange times.
In Christ,
Pastor Daniel Flucke; Keith Hyman, Council President;
St. Peter Lutheran Church Council: Clarene Backer, Esther Backer, David Crow, John Ebensberger, Carrie Eiklenborg, Andrea Gotto, Kelly Hoodjer, Erin Mulder, Jan Osier, Chuck Thompson, William Schmidt
May Update
April 29, 2020
As you may have heard, Governor Reynolds announced this week that Iowa churches are legally allowed to resume in-person gathering. At this time, our plan is to continue with online-only worship through the month of May. While legal permission is an important element for us to resume regular worship, it is not the only criteria. Love for our neighbor compels us to also consider whether it is wise for us to gather in person with rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in our area.
Although we eagerly look forward to the day when we can again be together safely, for now the church building will continue to be locked, and all in-person gatherings and events will remain suspended. The church council will be meeting soon to make plans for resuming in-person worship.
This ecumenical statement from 21 denominational leaders in Iowa including our own Bishop Ullestad offers some compassionate wisdom as we consider how to best love and serve our neighbors in Jesus’ name. I encourage you to read it. Please also continue to pray for each other and for our congregation and church council as we all seek to make wise and loving decisions. Hope you can join us for worship online on Sunday at 9:30!
In Christ,
Pastor Daniel
April 29, 2020
As you may have heard, Governor Reynolds announced this week that Iowa churches are legally allowed to resume in-person gathering. At this time, our plan is to continue with online-only worship through the month of May. While legal permission is an important element for us to resume regular worship, it is not the only criteria. Love for our neighbor compels us to also consider whether it is wise for us to gather in person with rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in our area.
Although we eagerly look forward to the day when we can again be together safely, for now the church building will continue to be locked, and all in-person gatherings and events will remain suspended. The church council will be meeting soon to make plans for resuming in-person worship.
This ecumenical statement from 21 denominational leaders in Iowa including our own Bishop Ullestad offers some compassionate wisdom as we consider how to best love and serve our neighbors in Jesus’ name. I encourage you to read it. Please also continue to pray for each other and for our congregation and church council as we all seek to make wise and loving decisions. Hope you can join us for worship online on Sunday at 9:30!
In Christ,
Pastor Daniel
Pastoral Letter: Church During Pandemic
March 19, 2020
Friends in Christ,
As you are well aware, our community and our country are in a state of public health emergency. During this COVID-19 pandemic, substantial changes to our usual ways of functioning as a congregation are necessary.
In accordance with Governor Reynolds’ declaration of a Public Health Disaster Emergency in Iowa, the St. Peter Lutheran Church Council has made the difficult decision to suspend all in-person programs, meetings, and activities—including worship—in the church building until Easter Sunday, April 12. The Church Council will evaluate whether a longer timeframe is necessary at our April meeting.
Let me be the first to say this is not an easy decision. Being together as a church community is deeply important, especially during times of confusion and chaos. But as God’s people, we are called to care for the well-being of our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable. Right now, that means practicing physical distancing. We want to care for each other and our community by doing our part to flatten the curve.
Here’s what you need to know:
• Our church building is currently closed and locked. While some of us as staff will still be working in the building, for our protection and yours, we ask that you do not come into the building during this time. If you absolutely need to access something in the building, call the church office or Pastor Daniel so we can figure out a solution.
• Our ministry as the people of God at St. Peter Lutheran Church continues. The good news is that the Church is not a building—the Church is the body of Christ, God’s people. The Church is YOU! While the best way for us to love our neighbors at this time is to physically distance ourselves from each other to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we are blessed with many ways to keep in touch, support each other, and proclaim the good news of Jesus. We are exploring a variety of ways to do ministry online.
• Worship is moving online. Each Sunday morning, I will be live-streaming a message and a time of worship through our church Facebook page. For those without Facebook, videos will be posted here on our church website.
• I am available for pastoral care. Although I’m doing my best to avoid physical contact with people, I’m available by phone, email, or text in the event of an emergency or if you’re just like to talk to someone. The best ways to contact me are by emailing or by calling/texting my cell phone. Please reach out and let me know how I can be helpful—and if I can’t help, perhaps I can point you in the direction of someone who can!
• Watch for opportunities for online community in addition to worship. Christin is working on activities and meetings for Sunday School, junior high, and Luther League. If you have other ideas, please let me know. Perhaps we can try an online coffee hour or Bible study—what other ideas do you have?
• Your continued generosity towards our operating budget will be more important than ever during this time. This is especially true as we seek to care for our congregation’s staff and pay the congregation’s regular financial bills. You can give one-time or recurring donations online through the website or through the GivePlus app. Or, you can simply mail your offering to the church at PO Box 638, Greene, IA 50636. And if you’re not a regular supporter of our ministry, I can’t think of a more important time to have you join the effort. Even a small gift of $5 or $10 a week can make a huge difference in the coming weeks.
In this time of so much uncertainty, fear, and chaos in the world around us, remember the promise Jesus gave his disciples immediately before his ascension into heaven: “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). As Romans 8 proclaims, there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, nothing else in all of creation—even pandemics and viruses.
And of course, don’t forget the commission Jesus gives his disciples right before his promise to be with them and us. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”
This is a time for us to truly be the Body of Christ. We have an opportunity right now to “be the church” in new and creative ways, to serve one another and the world in Jesus’ name even while we can’t physically gather together. Love one another. Be patient and kind. Check on your neighbors. Pray for one another and for our congregation.
Finally, I am reminded of the Easter afternoon story in John 20. The disciples were gathered together in a locked room, hiding from the religious leaders. And into the midst of their fearful isolation, Jesus entered, saying “Peace be with you!” and showing them his hands and his side, proving that he was truly alive. We are not locking the doors of our homes and our church building out of fear, but out of love for our neighbors. Even so, Christ enters into our midst.
In Christ,
Pastor Daniel Flucke
March 19, 2020
Friends in Christ,
As you are well aware, our community and our country are in a state of public health emergency. During this COVID-19 pandemic, substantial changes to our usual ways of functioning as a congregation are necessary.
In accordance with Governor Reynolds’ declaration of a Public Health Disaster Emergency in Iowa, the St. Peter Lutheran Church Council has made the difficult decision to suspend all in-person programs, meetings, and activities—including worship—in the church building until Easter Sunday, April 12. The Church Council will evaluate whether a longer timeframe is necessary at our April meeting.
Let me be the first to say this is not an easy decision. Being together as a church community is deeply important, especially during times of confusion and chaos. But as God’s people, we are called to care for the well-being of our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable. Right now, that means practicing physical distancing. We want to care for each other and our community by doing our part to flatten the curve.
Here’s what you need to know:
• Our church building is currently closed and locked. While some of us as staff will still be working in the building, for our protection and yours, we ask that you do not come into the building during this time. If you absolutely need to access something in the building, call the church office or Pastor Daniel so we can figure out a solution.
• Our ministry as the people of God at St. Peter Lutheran Church continues. The good news is that the Church is not a building—the Church is the body of Christ, God’s people. The Church is YOU! While the best way for us to love our neighbors at this time is to physically distance ourselves from each other to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we are blessed with many ways to keep in touch, support each other, and proclaim the good news of Jesus. We are exploring a variety of ways to do ministry online.
• Worship is moving online. Each Sunday morning, I will be live-streaming a message and a time of worship through our church Facebook page. For those without Facebook, videos will be posted here on our church website.
• I am available for pastoral care. Although I’m doing my best to avoid physical contact with people, I’m available by phone, email, or text in the event of an emergency or if you’re just like to talk to someone. The best ways to contact me are by emailing or by calling/texting my cell phone. Please reach out and let me know how I can be helpful—and if I can’t help, perhaps I can point you in the direction of someone who can!
• Watch for opportunities for online community in addition to worship. Christin is working on activities and meetings for Sunday School, junior high, and Luther League. If you have other ideas, please let me know. Perhaps we can try an online coffee hour or Bible study—what other ideas do you have?
• Your continued generosity towards our operating budget will be more important than ever during this time. This is especially true as we seek to care for our congregation’s staff and pay the congregation’s regular financial bills. You can give one-time or recurring donations online through the website or through the GivePlus app. Or, you can simply mail your offering to the church at PO Box 638, Greene, IA 50636. And if you’re not a regular supporter of our ministry, I can’t think of a more important time to have you join the effort. Even a small gift of $5 or $10 a week can make a huge difference in the coming weeks.
In this time of so much uncertainty, fear, and chaos in the world around us, remember the promise Jesus gave his disciples immediately before his ascension into heaven: “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). As Romans 8 proclaims, there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, nothing else in all of creation—even pandemics and viruses.
And of course, don’t forget the commission Jesus gives his disciples right before his promise to be with them and us. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”
This is a time for us to truly be the Body of Christ. We have an opportunity right now to “be the church” in new and creative ways, to serve one another and the world in Jesus’ name even while we can’t physically gather together. Love one another. Be patient and kind. Check on your neighbors. Pray for one another and for our congregation.
Finally, I am reminded of the Easter afternoon story in John 20. The disciples were gathered together in a locked room, hiding from the religious leaders. And into the midst of their fearful isolation, Jesus entered, saying “Peace be with you!” and showing them his hands and his side, proving that he was truly alive. We are not locking the doors of our homes and our church building out of fear, but out of love for our neighbors. Even so, Christ enters into our midst.
In Christ,
Pastor Daniel Flucke
Update on Health Precautions During Worship
March 14, 2020
In keeping with the current recommendations from the Iowa Department of Public Health and members of our congregation who work in the medical field, at this time we ARE gathering for our regular worship services, and children’s and youth programming this weekend at St. Peter. That said, please be aware of the following notes:
First, if you feel ill or have any symptoms, please stay at home and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Loving your neighbor means doing your best to not spread contagious disease to anyone else!
In addition, if you are in a high risk group due to age, have concerns about your immune system, or have any respiratory issues, please do what you need to do to take care of yourself. It is ok to stay home and not come to worship! If you reach out, I’m happy to send you prayers and readings for this weekend.
For those who are coming to worship this weekend, here are some health precautions we’ll be taking starting this week:
1. We have hand sanitizer available inside each entrance to the building.
2. Our custodians have and will continue to frequently wipe down with disinfectant hard surfaces throughout the building, such as door handles, water fountains, railings, etc.
3. When there are groups of people in the building, we will be leaving interior doors propped open as much as possible to avoid needing to touch handles.
4. Parents of younger children, we are removing the Children’s Worship Bags for the time being, so if your children typically use these, please consider bringing something from home for them instead.
5. We will not be reusing bulletins between different services. Please take your bulletin home with you after service.
6. For communion, I and the communion assistants will be using hand sanitizer immediately before distribution. In addition, we’ll be separating the individual communion cups so there is space in each tray to avoid accidentally touching other people’s cups. We will also not be using the communion rail.
7. Instead of passing the offering plates from person to person at 8:30 service, the ushers will use the “classic” offering bags with long handles. At 6:00 and 11:00 services, you can place your offering in the plate on the hymnal cart before or after worship
8. We will continue to avoid shaking hands during the service as we have been throughout flu season, and I will not be shaking hands before or after services.
9. Valley View is limiting visitors during this time and therefore not holding Sunday afternoon devotions.
10. I will not be visiting people at home or in nursing homes unless asked, but if asked, I’m happy to come! If you would like communion or simply to visit, please contact me via phone, email, or through the church office.
During this time, as always, the ministry of our congregation continues. Please remain current and generous with your giving so that we may continue our work. This is a great time to try online giving at https://www.stpetergreene.com/giving, or to contact the church office to set up automated giving through your bank account.
As followers of Jesus, we believe that this life is a precious gift and that we are called to be good stewards of life. Jesus calls us to serve our neighbors, doing our best to help those in any kind of need. During a pandemic, the best way to love and serve our neighbors is to avoid putting them at risk. Stay safe and wash your hands!
In addition to health concerns, fear seems endemic in our world right now. Appropriate self-quarantining and social distancing are vital for public health, yet can easily lead to loneliness and isolation. During this time (and always), care for the vulnerable. Love one another. Be patient and gracious with those who react differently under stress. Call your neighbors and check in.
And remember that God is still faithful, and as Romans 8 promises, nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In Christ,
Pastor Daniel Flucke
March 14, 2020
In keeping with the current recommendations from the Iowa Department of Public Health and members of our congregation who work in the medical field, at this time we ARE gathering for our regular worship services, and children’s and youth programming this weekend at St. Peter. That said, please be aware of the following notes:
First, if you feel ill or have any symptoms, please stay at home and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Loving your neighbor means doing your best to not spread contagious disease to anyone else!
In addition, if you are in a high risk group due to age, have concerns about your immune system, or have any respiratory issues, please do what you need to do to take care of yourself. It is ok to stay home and not come to worship! If you reach out, I’m happy to send you prayers and readings for this weekend.
For those who are coming to worship this weekend, here are some health precautions we’ll be taking starting this week:
1. We have hand sanitizer available inside each entrance to the building.
2. Our custodians have and will continue to frequently wipe down with disinfectant hard surfaces throughout the building, such as door handles, water fountains, railings, etc.
3. When there are groups of people in the building, we will be leaving interior doors propped open as much as possible to avoid needing to touch handles.
4. Parents of younger children, we are removing the Children’s Worship Bags for the time being, so if your children typically use these, please consider bringing something from home for them instead.
5. We will not be reusing bulletins between different services. Please take your bulletin home with you after service.
6. For communion, I and the communion assistants will be using hand sanitizer immediately before distribution. In addition, we’ll be separating the individual communion cups so there is space in each tray to avoid accidentally touching other people’s cups. We will also not be using the communion rail.
7. Instead of passing the offering plates from person to person at 8:30 service, the ushers will use the “classic” offering bags with long handles. At 6:00 and 11:00 services, you can place your offering in the plate on the hymnal cart before or after worship
8. We will continue to avoid shaking hands during the service as we have been throughout flu season, and I will not be shaking hands before or after services.
9. Valley View is limiting visitors during this time and therefore not holding Sunday afternoon devotions.
10. I will not be visiting people at home or in nursing homes unless asked, but if asked, I’m happy to come! If you would like communion or simply to visit, please contact me via phone, email, or through the church office.
During this time, as always, the ministry of our congregation continues. Please remain current and generous with your giving so that we may continue our work. This is a great time to try online giving at https://www.stpetergreene.com/giving, or to contact the church office to set up automated giving through your bank account.
As followers of Jesus, we believe that this life is a precious gift and that we are called to be good stewards of life. Jesus calls us to serve our neighbors, doing our best to help those in any kind of need. During a pandemic, the best way to love and serve our neighbors is to avoid putting them at risk. Stay safe and wash your hands!
In addition to health concerns, fear seems endemic in our world right now. Appropriate self-quarantining and social distancing are vital for public health, yet can easily lead to loneliness and isolation. During this time (and always), care for the vulnerable. Love one another. Be patient and gracious with those who react differently under stress. Call your neighbors and check in.
And remember that God is still faithful, and as Romans 8 promises, nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In Christ,
Pastor Daniel Flucke