What’s happening at Elim | Elim Lutheran Church

Elim is awarded grant from ELCA World Hunger

April 13, 2020 · by elimmediamusic

We did it!

We raised $645 through online giving and checks given to Elim to support the critical work of feeding the hungry in our community during this exceptional time of need. These gifts – along with the $500 ELCA Daily Bread grant we were awarded – will enhance Elim’s community garden and extend aid to the hungry through Helpline and Coffee Oasis. THANK YOU for your generosity and support during this campaign. To stay connected with this ministry of feeding the hungry, please watch for our garden planning meeting. Also, check out the work of Helpline by clicking here and Coffee Oasis by clicking here.

Again, THANK YOU. Your gifts are making a difference.

(Elim received a Daily Bread Matching Grant of $500 from ELCA World Hunger to help us with our outreach through our garden. We were one of only 200 congregations or agencies in the ELCA (which has over 9,100 congregations) to receive this grant. This is a wonderful opportunity set before us to expand our mission of feeding people. This grant will help our ministry serve our neighbors and truly provide daily bread. Read more about the work of the ELCA World Hunger: https://www.elca.org/hunger)

Pastor Chris is available during these days of physical distance

April 13, 2020 · by elimmediamusic

Yes, we are all following the “stay at home” order and will continue to do so until we have been advised that it is safe to once again gather physically. In these days you may be experiencing a need to talk about where God is in the midst of all this and to be assured of God’s presence. Pastor Chris welcomes the opportunity to journey through this with you. You may call him at any time at 360-907-4289 or email him at prnolte@gmail.com.

Pastor Chris is also available at the church office on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. In order to best practice safe physical distancing, conversations will be held by appointment in the church entrance area (or outside, weather permitting) with chairs spaced at least 12 feet apart. Please call/text Pastor Chris at 360-907-4289 or email him at prnolte@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. He looks forward to sharing this time with you.

Our church’s response to the coronavirus situation . . .

April 13, 2020 · by elimmediamusic

In this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, our church leaders have chosen to suspend worship services and group gatherings until the government-order “stay at home” is lifted. Please check back here for updates. Also check below for ways to connect during this time.

We continue to explore how to be church together while we are apart. Some of the ways we are connecting are listed here (please let Pastor Chris know of any other ideas you might have by sending him an email at prnolte@gmail.com). May God’s peace and hope be with you always.

Weekly Sunday worship – to bring us all God’s Word and to keep our focus on our God of hope, Pastor Chris brings us a devotion on YouTube each week. The link for the coming Sunday is on this home page. It is also included on our “Sermons” page, along with the past YouTube devotions.

Weekly Text Study – our Wednesday morning study group continues to meet via Zoom from 10 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday. Email elimpoconnect@gmail.com and a link will be sent to you so you can participate.

Care Groups – to help everyone know they are not alone during this time, our church council leaders are in contact with all of our members on a regular basis to check in, find out how they are doing, and to ask if anything is needed.

Weekly Messenger – to keep lines of communication open, an e-announcement is sent out several times a week. The first is sent out on Tuesday and contains a brief devotion along with announcements, a second goes out on Friday with a short introduction about the coming Sunday’s worship, and the third goes out about 8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning with a link to that day’s YouTube devotion that will be available at 10 a.m. The congregation is invited to “gather” in their homes at that time to give a sense of our community with each other. (Of course, people are welcome to view it at a different time too.) To receive these e-announcements (via MailChimp), please send a request to elimpoconnect@gmail.com and you will be added to the list.

Common Prayer – every day at noon – to expand our awareness of the body of Christ and the larger community of faith, all are encouraged to take one minute (or longer is OK) to “put our hands together” in prayer at noon each day. Whether you will begin your lunch or you’re in the middle of an activity (excluding driving), think of those in our community of faith as doing the same thing. Turn to God in prayer to strengthen the fellowship that is still ours in Christ.

Virtual Happy Hour – for an opportunity to gather together to just chat and catch up with our lives, all are invited to a virtual fellowship time via Zoom. Grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine or other favorite beverage, put on your comfy slippers, ease into your favorite chair, and join the conversation! To participate, please email elimpoconnect@gmail.com for the link, password and other instructions.

Angel Project – a special YouTube children’s chat and activity have been created to help our kids know God’s presence with them in these days

Food on the 1st – our mission continues even during the COVID-19 pandemic

April 2, 2020 · by elimmediamusic

Helpline is still open and distributing food to those in need. We can continue to support our mission of feeding the hungry of our community and at the same time do the safe practice of physical distancing.

The best way to help in these days is to make a financial donation online. Go to https://skhelpline.org/give/. (Information is also included for sending a check or making a donation with your credit card over the phone.) On the giving page, there is a box labeled “write a comment.” Elim can be entered as a way for our congregation to receive the credit for your donation.

Most importantly, receive the thanks of a grateful community!

Coffee and conversation – Wednesdays at 9 a.m. – on hold during COVID-19 pandemic

February 11, 2019 · by elimmediamusic

You are invited to join us for Coffee and Conversation on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. This gathering is open to all and is a wonderful way to continue Sunday morning fellowship conversations, catch up on happenings in and around the building, and discuss life in general. We meet in the Fireside Room for hot coffee and warming conversation. We look forward to welcoming you!

Come sing with us – on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic

February 8, 2018 · by elimmediamusic

The Last Sunday Singers, our one-rehearsal choir, will gather at 8 am on a Sunday-to-be-determined to practice a song to be sung during our morning worship. This choir is for all who want to sing – no prior choir experience is needed and there are no try-outs. Simply show up and be ready to sing. All ages are welcome.

Looking forward to singing with you. Feel free to bring a friend or two – grandparents, invite your grandkids to come sing with you!