The governor has temporarily put many activities on hold. Worshiping communities are still able to gather, but it was the consensus of our group that worshiped together at Elim this past Sunday to take this coming week off from in-person worship. We will resume our in-person gatherings the following Sunday, Aug. 2, at 9 a.m.
Our worship video will still be available (until further notice). Watch for new faces and voices in this week’s video! Click here for the guide for Sunday’s worship – the link for the video will be sent out early on Sunday for our 9 a.m. “gathering.” (Be sure to check out Sunday’s links to the children’s activities!) The Rev. Rebecca Shjerven, Bishop’s Associate for the SWWA Synod, will be our guest preacher.Gathering together again for in-person worship.
Sundays at 9 a.m.
Journey of Faith will worship at 11 a.m.
Our congregation and the CHURCH-at-large have never been closed! We have been ministering to each other in all sorts of ways given the extraordinary limitations of our world-wide situation. We are simply now re-opening the doors. We are excited at this prospect and anticipate that many, not all, will come back together for worship on this first day.
Pl
ease be clear: we have never been closed; the doors being opened is a new breath of life we can share and rejoice in as God’s people. Although we will be seeing familiar faces again, be assured that things won’t look nor feel “normal.” There will be changes in place as we all do our part to keep a social distance and ease back into being together.
Our church leadership has been making preparations for this day and have developed the following recommendations:
+ The first and highest recommendation:if you feeling ill or showing some signs of the symptoms of the virus, you are requested to care for yourself and others by remaining home.
+ Masks are to be worn, even when singing. The exceptions will be for presiding and assisting ministers, as well as readers, but only when speaking.
+ Maintain social distancing (6 feet) in the building (when sitting) and on the property (in chairs). Family units can sit together, but in small numbers (4-5), with the exception of families including children of “one-household”. Tape will mark the areas permitted for seating and block off the remainder.
+ Entering the building will be by one clearly-marked door and exiting will be by another clearly-marked door.
+ Hand washing will be recommended when arriving either with water in bathrooms or at hand-cleanser stations. Tissues and trash buckets will be available in the narthex.
+ No more than 1 person at a time in the bathrooms, unless assisting another person.
+ Although greeting and affection will be sought especially after this long time away, please refrain from hugs, and minimize handshaking. Cleansing hands often will also be needed.
+ Communion will be carefully prepared and administered for individual consumption.
+ Signing the attendance list clipboard is essential. The list is required so that tracing is accurate just in case of someone being diagnosed with the virus.
Most likely, our service of worship will be predominantly outside in the parking lot. If there is inclement weather, we will meet in the sanctuary. The service of worship will be a shorter interval of time than traditional.
Looking forward to gathering with you all once again!
We invite you to share a time of virtual worship with us! Click on Pastor Chris’ photo for our worship service for the Sixth Sunday of Pentecost, July 12.
A written copy is available here.
Click here for activities for preschool children and here for ones for elementary children.
Welcome – and thank you for finding our website!
The people of our faith community and I warmly welcome you and are glad you have found us. God is on the move among us – and you’re invited to join our journey!
We gather on Sundays at 9 a.m. to hear God’s Word, sing, pray, and celebrate the Lord’s Supper together. A time of singing begins ten minutes before the service (except during Advent and Lent). Coffee and conversation as well as education classes for all ages follow our worship. Our prayer is that you will find Elim to be a place of rest, refreshment and renewal as together we take God’s message of love and grace out into the world.
The gifts of God are FOR ALL!
Pastor Chris Nolte
Read about our current happenings here.
Celebrating our oneness in God
We joyfully welcome Journey of Faith Church of God of Prophecy as they share our building for their worship and ministry. They worship on Sundays at 11 a.m., followed by their education time and fellowship.
