March 23, 2020

Dear Members and Friends of St. John’s Lutheran Church, 

Our Church family will continue to follow the recommendations of authorities, suspending our public worship Services through April 7, 2020.  We will notify you if we are able to hold Services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.  Like you, we hope we will! 

We know this is difficult for you.  We rejoice that it is not too difficult for the Lord to use this hardship for His good purposes. 

What’s still happening in our church family?

• The Word of God is active.  Christians are digging into God’s Word in their homes. He is delivering His grace and truth to you. 
• For the Fourth Sunday in Lent, hundreds of people worshiped with us by using our YouTube channel, and by watching on Mediacom Channel #81 at 10:00am Sunday.  Many shut-ins will receive a DVD of that Service in the mail this week.  We’ll continue this until we’re back together in the Church for worship. 
• I post a brief “Facebook Live” devotion on St. John’s Facebook page Monday through Saturday at noon.  If you have Lutheran Service Book at home, you’ll be able to join in the Psalm, hymn, and prayers.  If you don’t have LSB, come borrow one from church.  They are available inside the west doors during the day. If you can’t get one, we’ll drop off one at your home.  At this time I don’t have an additional way other than Facebook to get these noon devotions out, sorry. 
• In emergencies, we will come to you.  Christian ministry is essential, and we’ll make it happen.  If you need to reach me, call me at 309-255-5580.  I want to hear from you.

For your information, I asked a handful of people to help bring the March 22 Service to you.  Four singers and a few volunteers for music and video made it possible.  I mention this because some folks have rightly wondered if the recording session is open to others.  Sorry, it’s not.  We’re striving to following the protocol.  Thanks for your understanding. 

We know these changes are temporary, and that God will bring good from this opportunity.  He never wastes one!   After all, He is our sole refuge and strength.  We can still rejoice.  Always. 

In Christ, 
Pastor Mike Burdick and the Board of Elders