Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
 

As you are probably aware of by now the "Amended PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER 20-24” went into affect this morning and stays in effect through April 11th. In this health order, the State of Colorado requires that…

A. All individuals currently living within the State of Colorado are ordered to

Stay at Home … and may leave their Residences only to perform or utilize Necessary Activities.

B. All public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside

a Residence are prohibited…

There are some exceptions given, but those exceptions are not for the general spiritual welfare of the Church. Therefore, to ensure that you are staying in God’s Word, I will continue our online worship services but they will be filmed at my house. Since I’ll be working from home, this will limit certain aspects of our worship experience, but I ask you to stay positive and keep an open mind as I begin trying a variety of other ways we can dive into God’s word together from the safety of our homes.

As the church, I encourage each of you to spend some time every day reading from your Bible or a devotional, and then intentionally calling, sending a card, texting, or emailing a church friend or someone else who you know. Give them a break from the isolation this COVID-19 pandemic has caused. Be the church as followers of Christ and share the love God has given you with your friends and neighbors even if you're limited in how that can be safely done at this time. I’m also always available via phone, text, or email and will be calling members from time to time each day to keep up with how everyone is doing.

Also, I want you to be aware that despite the limit on gatherings, Pastoral ministry has also been designated as a "Critical Service" and I am encouraged to perform, "In-person pastoral services for individuals who are in crisis or in need of end of life services provided social distancing is observed to the greatest extent possible.” Which means if you need someone to talk to face-to-face or even in need of the reassurance of Christ’s Body and Blood, then I will be there. Just call, text, or email me and I’ll be there so that you don’t need to suffer or feel alone in this world.

That being said, if you’d like for me to visit, then I will insist on the 6 ft social distance requirement and I would also prefer to meet outdoors. These measures are to keep you, my family, and myself protected and will also serve to protect anyone else I need to visit afterward.

As we go through this pandemic together rest assured in Christ. He has overcome this world and this is the time to look to him. Therefore in sincerity and love for your fellow brothers and sisters, "6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:6–11)

God’s Blessings,

Luke Scheele, Pastor
Trinity Lutheran Church

P.S. Don’t forget, to look at the resources below that are freely available and offer wonderful Christ-centered opportunities to dig into God’s word.

Bedtime Bible Stories (for kids) with the Skit Guys

https://skitguys.com/sgtv/show/bedtime-bible-stories-with-the-skit-guys

KFUO Online Radio Station

Christ for you. Anytime. Anywhere.

https://www.kfuo.org

The Lutheran Hour Broadcast and Message

https://www.lutheranhour.org

https://www.lhm.org/broadcastinformation.asp

The Lutheran Hour Radio Station
KLLV Durango, CO 550 AM Sat 9:30 PM

The Lutheran Hour Television Broadcast