Dear Siblings in Christ,
First, I regret to inform you of the passing of Paul Sheaffer (Ruth’s brother) whose funeral is Friday March 13th 1pm (viewing at noon) at Hoffman Funeral Home in Carlisle. Please keep his friends and family in your prayers.
Second, I don’t know how much you follow the news. Chances are you follow it more closely than I do. News about the Corona Virus floods most outlets. Conflicting accounts can leave us anxious and confused.
The past two Sundays we have begun making steps to help prepare St. Matthias congregation for what appears to be the eventuality of this virus in our community. To recap, we have stopped shaking hands during the passing of the peace and have come up with creative ways to give a sign of peace. We have added hand sanitizer pumps, clorox wipes, tissues, and extra trash cans to our building. We have exchanged phone numbers and important contact information with one another. We continue to hold up one another in prayer and mutual care and consolation.
This Sunday, we continue to revise our practices as a community to be prudent and good stewards of one another’s physical health. To this end I have consulted with other congregations throughout the state as to how they are modifying their practices. In the interest of our physical health as a congregation, I have made some decisions this week leading up to Sunday that I recommend and hope you will accept:
1. I have placed the worship booklets in the pew racks. Please leave them there and DO NOT return them to the tables in the narthex. Touch only the booklets and hymnals in the pew in which you are sitting. Please do not lick your fingers to turn the pages.
2. Also, I have moved the offering plates to the tables by the doors so that we do not pass them from one person to another in the pews. Please leave your offering there as you enter the church on Sunday.
3. We will continue to offer dealcoholized wine for intinction (dipping) at Communion. Please know that Christ is fully present in the bread alone if you feel compelled to abstain from the wine at this time. I myself have begun doing this, so please feel free to pass on the wine yourself. Receiving just the bread is a “complete” communion.
4. At this time, we shall continue to meet in person at the church building. Our assembly size falls well below the recent recommended cap on crowd sizes from our state governor’s office. That being said, there is no shame in staying home if you are feeling sick or have a compromised immune system.
I hope these words do not cause you further worry. They are meant to keep you informed and connected. Together we are the body of Christ, and we are called to care for that body in spirit and flesh. Through mindful practices we can do our best to prevent the spread of disease in our parish and care for one another’s health and well-being.
If at any point you need to talk, please don’t hesitate to call me (717-245-2475) or one of your fellow parishioners. It’s times like this that our baptismal calling to be the family of God is most crucial. Above all, love one another, as Christ most certainly loves each and every one of you.
HOLY COMMUNION Sundays, 9am
For convenient access to the Sunday and daily readings, click here: https://lectionary.
THE FORUM
Gather for coffee and discussion on a range of topics after worship. 10:15-11am 2nd and 4th Sundays. Speak to Vicar Tom if you are interested in leading a session.
Mar 8 at St. Matthew’s UCC; Ancient Rome and Jesus
Mar 22 at St. Matthew’s UCC; Ancient Rome and Jesus
QUIET THURSDAYS 5pm-6pm, Feb 27, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2. St. Matthias church open for quiet prayer, with candlelight and music.
MAUNDY THURSDAY service April 9, 7pm.
GOOD FRIDAY Tennebrae Service at St. Matthew’s UCC, Carlisle Springs, April 10, 7pm.
EASTER VIGIL service at First Lutheran, April 11, 7pm.
EASTER SUNRISE 6:30am at St. Matthew’s UCC, followed by breakfast.
EASTER FESTIVAL SERVICE 9am at St. Matthias Lutheran.
CHOIR meets 1st and 3rd Sundays after worship.
MARY CIRCLE small group Bible study, with intentional support for one another in grief, meets 2nd Tuesday of the month, 5pm at Fairgrounds Diner.
CHURCH COUNCIL meets .
PRAYER CONCERNS:
For Christian M. (Marines) and all service personnel.
For the friends and family of Barry Sherman (Gary’s brother) and Paul Sheaffer (Ruth’s brother) who recently died.
For those in our congregation who are ill or recovering from illness this week, their friends, and the loved ones who care for them,
Don and Joanne, Jacques, Pam, Betty Lou, Mark, Paula, Pat, Judy, Seth, Paula, Samara Lee, Marge, Margaret, the Branawell family, the Valezquez family, and all who ask the Lord’s healing and mercy.
Christ’s Peace,
Vicar Tom
he/him/his
717-245-2475
“We are St. Matthias Evangelical Lutheran Church. We are loved by God. We are family of God. We are caring for the world so that all will know Christ’s peace. We come from a diversity of traditions. We embrace all races, all abilities, all socioeconomic statuses, all sexual orientations and gender identities as expressions of God’s great diversity in this world. We encourage questions. Together we seek God’s guidance. We welcome you to the family of God.”
Welcome Statement adopted by the congregation June 30, 2019
An evangelical catholic Reconciling in Christ congregation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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