Worship and activities moved online through January 30
Dear friends,
The Reuniting St. Luke’s Task Force continues to monitor the spread of COVID from reliable sources like the Chicago Covid dashboard, along with guidelines from scientific and religious leaders like the Wisconsin Council of Churches “Returning to Church 3.0”
Because case numbers continue to rise, the task force recommended extending virtual worship. At their meeting this week, the St. Luke's Council affirmed that worship and large group activities, including the Annual Congregational Meeting, will be held online through January 30. Small groups have the option to meet in-person during this time, at the discretion and consent of everyone involved.
The Reuniting St. Luke's Task Force is aware of the many and complicated factors that are involved in a choice like this. We know that our St. Luke's community has a very high rate of vaccination, that we are faithful in wearing our masks, and that it may be confusing to avoid in-person worship if we are comfortable in other public spaces. We know that the decision to not meet in person can come a cost to the spiritual and mental health of our community. We grieve that these kinds of choices must still be made, coming up on two years into the pandemic.
Thanks be to God for the way St. Luke's has shown patience, resilience, and faithfulness throughout the pandemic. We ask for your continued prayers and support. The task force is meeting again on January 18. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Marit Johnson (marit.3.johnson@gmail.com).
In Christ,
Pastor Erin
on behalf of the Reuniting St. Luke's Task Force
Marit Johnson, Andrew Malone, Laura Wilhelm
